Source: newsthemegh.com
Nana Kwame Bediako, also referred to as Cheddar, is embroiled in a number of tax evasion scandals after substantial fines for not filing his income tax are disclosed in records from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
With over GH¢7 million in estimated taxes avoided, there are serious concerns about Bediako’s financial accountability and transparency, especially in light of his ambitions to become the country’s leader.
The records reveal a pattern of tax avoidance that is repeated. For failing to file personal income tax returns, Cheddar was fined GH¢15,222, GH¢14,492, GH¢13,760, and GH¢6,526 between 2013 and 2016.
Even though it seemed like Cheddar was in compliance for the tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, the alarming pattern of non-compliance returned in 2021 and 2022.
The predicted avoided taxes for these two years, GH¢2,088,228 for 2021 and GH¢5,096,536 for 2022, are astounding, according to the leaked document.
Cheddar’s campaign for president is clearly being evaluated on its ability to bring forth a new period of growth and reform in Ghanaian politics.
But the fact that he has consistently neglected to fulfill even the most basic civic obligation—paying taxes—casts a serious doubt on his integrity.This is blatantly at odds with his purportedly sincere support for constructive change, given his previous political statements and his announcement that he intends to run for the nation’s highest office—the presidency.
This latest disclosure from GRA is undoubtedly a red flag for Cheddar to come clean and deal with these claims of tax avoidance in an open and responsible manner.
Voters might find it difficult to reconcile Cheddar’s much-publicized pledge to change with this apparent financial inconsistency, especially with the general election this year.