Two foreigners, three Ghanaians arrested over Tema port sugar scandal

Police in Accra have arrested some two foreigners and three Ghanaians for engaging in fraudulent activities leading to the state losing thousands of Ghana cedis.

The suspects who are being investigated by the security agencies had evaded tax on some 136,000 bags of sugar they had imported into the country.

The 136,000 bags of sugar, which had overstayed their two-week grace period at the port, were eventually confiscated by the state – a development which paved the way for some officials to connive to have it diverted for individual gains.

The Special Operations Unit (SOU) under the presidency hinted the police over the activities of these individuals leading to their arrest.

Dr. Clement Apaak, spokesperson for the Special Operations Unit under the presidency told Starr News that the state would take steps to punish anyone who attempts to flout the laws of the country.

“A delegation visited the Chairman of the SOU Nii Adotey Barima I…and that delegation included one Mr. Ebo Anderson who is the shipping manager of Max shipping company, Mr. Aggrey Fynn also a staff of Max shipping company, one Mr Mark Tarberi also a staff of Max shipping company in the company of one Bernard Okunor a Scottish national and Paul Rogeri a British national from ABM UK, where they introduced themselves as owners of the 136,000 bags of sugar which had been forfeited to the state.

“And because of the diligence of government…the CID and EOCO apprehended them and they are currently in custody,” Mr. Apaak said.

The SOU has also launched a campaign to retrieve about 14 billion cedis from some 91 companies and clearing agents who are suspected to be evading taxes on their products.