Madam Julie Essiam, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
A major scandal has emerged within Ghana’s Customs Division following accusations of corruption and misconduct. Philip Agbonugla Ganya, a key informant for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), claims that Felicia Dadeboe, the Customs Sector Commander in Ho, has withheld his reward of GH₵245,000 and used the funds for personal expenses.
The drama unfolded after Ganya provided a tip-off that led to the seizure of a truck carrying 161 bags of cocoa and 91 bags of animal feed, which were being illegally transported to Togo. The intercepted goods, valued at GH₵333,270 for the cocoa and GH₵27,300 for the animal feed, were stopped at the Batume border point in the Agotime-Ziope District, thanks to Ganya’s information.
Ganya claims that he was entitled to 68% of the total value of the seized goods, amounting to GH₵245,000. However, he was shocked when he was handed a mere GH₵5,000 by a customs officer named William Allotey. When he questioned this, Allotey reportedly informed him that the amount was what his superior, Sector Commander Felicia Dadeboe, had allocated to him.
Feeling cheated, Ganya confronted Dadeboe, who allegedly admitted to distributing the money and using a portion of it to renovate the lawn at her official residence in Ho. Outraged by what he sees as blatant corruption, Ganya has filed a petition with the Commissioner General of the GRA, demanding a full investigation into the matter.
In his petition, Ganya also raised concerns about the conduct of other customs officials, accusing them of turning a blind eye to smuggling activities and even aiding smugglers in their illicit operations. He described the attitude of some officers as “lackadaisical,” claiming that they are complicit in the theft of resources from the state.
The allegations have sparked widespread concern, with calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the claims. The case has the potential to expose deep-rooted issues within the Customs Division, raising questions about the integrity of those tasked with safeguarding Ghana’s borders.
When The Hawk pressed her for clarification on whether Mr. Ganya (Informant) was entitled to GHS245,000 and how the funds were disbursed, Felicia Dadeboe remained tight-lipped. She also refused to comment on allegations that the funds may have been misused for personal purposes.
Dadeboe pointed out that the Finance Minister, the Commissioner General, and the Commissioner were all copied on the matter, making it an official issue she couldn’t discuss without their involvement.
“The petition was directly addressed to the Finance Minister, with my Commissioner General and Commissioner copied, which makes it an official issue. I reacted to it, and I can’t speak to anyone about it without recourse to them. You may contact the Commissioner of Customs for the clarifications you need,” Dadeboe stated in her response.
As the GRA faces mounting pressure to address these allegations, the spotlight is now on the Commissioner General to take decisive action. Ganya’s claims, if proven true, could lead to significant repercussions for those involved, and may prompt a broader examination of corruption within the agency.
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