The Patriotic Citizens of the New Patrtiotic Party (NPP) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to make the acting Commissioner Customs Seidu Iddrissu as the substantive Commissioner of customs.
In a release, the group said Seidu Idrissu has been working with the customs Service for more than 32 years and has risen through the rank and file to get to the position of acting Commissioner-General of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
He has also served in Wa, Tema and the Kotoka International Airport. He was the head of preventive and head of ethics and good governance at the Customs headquarters. The group also notes, Mr. Seidu has worked with the customs since 1990 after graduating from the University of Ghana.
“We the patriotic Citizens of NPP have been following his work and we know his capabilities when given the position. He is professional, hardworking and diligent in the execution of his duties. He is an insider who is fit for the job.
He can assist the Akufo-Addo’s government to rake in more revenue for the state. We can confidently say Seidu Iddrissu is incorruptible, clean and deserve to be the substantive Commissioner-General of Customs.
BACKGROUND
The Commissioner General of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (rtd) was relieved off his position in August following an investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on his leadership.
The Commissioner General of the Customs Division of the GRA was implicated in two cases being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
One of the cases involves Labianca Company Limited, from whom the OSP has already recovered GH₵1,074, 627.15 in unpaid import duties.
On August 22, 2022, the OSP mentioned it had commenced investigations into the auction sale of vehicles and other goods by the GRA from July 1, 2016 to August 15, 2022
According to a statement from the OSP, the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA was expected to produce some important documentation to aid the probe on or before September 30, 2022.
Responding to the allegations, Col Damoah said ” I am fully cooperating with the Office of the Special Prosecutor in investigations into some aspects of the operations of the division”. But a few days later the President in a letter asked him to step aside for his deputy to take over.
Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo stated that “Following the expiration of your contract as Commissioner (Customs Division) of the Ghana Revenue Authority on 13th October 2021, the President of the Republic of Ghana has directed that effective Friday, 26th August 2022, you handover all duties and office to the Acting Deputy Commissioner (Preventive Service) Mr. Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah who will act as the Commissioner (Customs Division), pending the President’s substantive appointment”.
The Patriotic Citizens of the NPP however say the president must confirm the appointment of the deputy to avoid the long wait .
” We have been tagged as an ‘Akan party’ and that is not good. Make him the substantive Commissioner General to shame critics. Because the truth is that we are not an Akan party . The NPP is for all irrespective of ones tribe and political affiliation.
There is growing disaffection for the party due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the Ukrain-Russia war. We don’t want a situation where Ghanaians would say because he is a northerner they have taken the job from him. We beg you Nana Addo. Just heed to this call and cement your leadership” .
