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Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar, and leader of the New Force Movement, has strongly denied allegations of tax evasion leveled against him by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Addressing the issue, he emphasized that if the GRA has any concerns regarding his tax payments, they should extend an invitation to him, and he would willingly comply.
The controversy arose from Bediako’s failure to complete personal income tax returns for the years 2013 to 2016, resulting in a reported penalty of GH¢50,000, as disclosed by the Ghanaian Times newspaper. Despite settling GH¢209,171 between 2018 and 2020, Bediako allegedly neglected to file taxes for the post-2020 period, according to a January 18 report.
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The article further states that GRA’s tax assessments for 2021-2022 are projected to range between GH¢2,088,228 and GH¢5,096,536, inclusive of penalties for non-compliance with personal income tax filing.
These revelations come at a critical juncture in Cheddar’s presidential campaign, which aims to bring about a new era of development and reform in Ghanaian politics. The apparent failure to fulfill basic civic responsibilities, such as tax payments, casts doubt on Cheddar’s integrity and raises concerns about his suitability for a leadership role.
Despite the allegations, Cheddar asserted on X that the GRA’s actions were an attempt to tarnish his reputation, asserting that he has consistently been a responsible taxpayer.
He expressed surprise at being singled out, considering his significant contributions to the country through consistent importation of goods and emphasized his commitment to timely tax payments.
“I woke up this morning, only to see my pictures on the front cover of multiple publications alleging that I have evaded taxes. I have dedicated almost 22 or 23 years in this country. When it comes to taxes, I have consistently fulfilled my obligations and continue to do so,” he said.
In light of his substantial income from taxes, Cheddar found it perplexing that the GRA would purposefully associate his images with tax evasion, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
He stated that given the status of the economy and the hardships we experience as citizens, it looks that the government is doing nothing to help us.
“The government intends to disgrace me, so it published my pictures in the papers. No, you cannot disgrace a man whom God has graced,” he stated.
