Reject GRA’s tax evasion claims -Cheddar

Nana Kwame Bediako, the founder of the New Force, has dismissed allegations of tax evasion made by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Recent headlines in state newspapers highlighted his failure to file personal income tax returns from 2013 to 2016 and imposed a fine of GH¢50,000. In addition, the publication on January 18 stated that despite paying GH¢209,171 between 2018 and 2020, he once again neglected to file his returns for the post-2020 period. The GRA estimated Cheddar’s tax assessment for the years 2021-2022 to be GH¢2,088,228 and GH¢5,096,536, respectively, with penalties for his failure to file his personal income tax returns.

However, Mr. Bediako believes that the GRA’s intention was to disgrace him and tarnish his reputation. He believes he is being targeted despite being one of the individuals consistently fulfilling his tax obligations. Taking to social media on January 18, 2024, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, expressed his concerns over the tax evasion allegations. He stated, “As I woke up this morning, I saw multiple publications with my pictures alleging tax evasion. I have dedicated almost 22 or 23 years in this country, and when it comes to taxes, I have consistently fulfilled my obligations and will continue to do so.”

Cheddar explained that due to his regular importation of goods into the country, it would be impossible for him to evade taxes without being identified thus far. He emphasized that despite his high tax income, he ensures prompt payment. He questioned why the GRA chose to publish his pictures if they believed he was tardy in paying his taxes, suggesting that they could have scheduled a meeting with him instead of resorting to such measures.

Cheddar took the opportunity to urge the government to generate more job opportunities to alleviate unemployment, rather than relying solely on a few private individuals to make a living. He observed that the government struggles to fulfill its responsibilities and, as a result, intends to run for president in Ghana. He promised to provide transparent evidence of how taxes are utilized, in contrast to the current government.