The Management of Labianca Company Limited has denied accusations of “influence peddling or trading of influence,” against the company by the Special Prosecutor.
The OSP in a statement two weeks ago said it has recovered GH¢1.074 million from Labianca Company Limited. The amount, the statement said, represents a shortfall in import duties the frozen foods company paid to the state.
The OSP further accused CEO of the firm Ms. Asomah-Hinneh of influence-peddling for allegedly using her position as a member of the Council of State and member of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to get a favourable decision from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which led to a reduction in the tax liabilities of Labianca Limited.
However, in a response, Labianca expressed worry over the development adding that they have also instructed their lawyers to take action against the Special Prosecutor.
“Indeed, over the years, the company has been tax compliant and has discharged all its obligations dutifully. Due to the nature of the operations of importers like us, the Ghana Revenue Authority, per Act 891 conducts periodic post clearance audits to determine possible undervaluation or overpayments of taxes,” Labianca’s stated.
The Company further noted that “the assumption of jurisdiction by the OSP on such post clearance audit and our settlement of such taxes arising from such an audit is not synonymous with corruption and corruption-related activities by the company. The several communications between the Office of the OSP and the Special Prosecutor and the company confirm this.”
Attached is the full statement from Labianca
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
