GRA denies allegations of accessing $75 million loan

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has vehemently denied allegations put forth by Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo, who claimed that the authority accessed a US$75-million loan without parliamentary approval. The GRA’s management has issued a detailed statement to clarify the situation.

Contrary to Adongo’s assertions, the GRA clarified that in 2022, the authority had contemplated securing a loan facility to undertake a significant capital expenditure project.

To adhere to proper protocols, the GRA sought a “no objection” from the Ministry of Finance before advancing any further. Once receiving the “no objection,” the Board and Management of the GRA collectively decided not to proceed with accessing the loan facility.

The GRA’s statement underscores the pivotal point that due to the management’s decision not to pursue the loan, they did not take the matter to Parliament for approval.

The official statement, signed by Nana Birago Owusu-Ansah, Chief Revenue Officer of the Communication and Public Affairs Department, categorically denies any utilization of a US$75 million loan from any bank, as asserted by MP Adongo.

“It was for this reason, that GRA did not proceed to Parliament on the issue. We wish to categorically state that the Ghana Revenue Authority has not accessed any US$75 million loan from any bank as indicated by the Honourable Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central,” read parts of the statement.

This revelation raises questions about the necessity of a parliamentary probe, as advocated by MP Adongo. The GRA’s position implies that, having opted not to proceed with the loan, there was no breach of parliamentary approval protocols.

The situation, however, may warrant further scrutiny by relevant authorities to ensure full transparency and adherence to established procedures.