A/R: Closure Of Markets: Oteatuoso To Lead Demonstration Against KMA, GRA If……
Etwienana Baffour Oteatuoso Kokoben II has hinted that he would lead a demonstration against the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) if indeed the two institutions have teamed up to seal off shops in Kumasi whose owners are allegedly owing the state.
He said that, “The KMA Mayor and the GRA boss must come out to clear the air so the public would know the truth.”
Speaking on Wontumi Radio/TV Morning Show, Nana Oteatuoso noted that Asanteman has had enough of selective humiliation by state actors and said nothing should be done to make the people feel that “they are being discriminated against.”
“Asanteman has not committed any crime so even if the shop owners have defaulted in the payment of their taxes closing their stores a time we have just a few weeks to the elections will be most unfortutnate and one expects the City Mayor to tell the GRA something?
” Nana Akufo-Addo left the Region after his recent tour with high hopes that he has a strong backing from his appointees and senior public servants so if the impression is created that the reality is not as he came to meet he will greatly be disappointed.
“Why don’t they do these things in the other Regions but only in Ashanti Region?” He questioned
The Akyem Royal wondered why the GRA should close stores amidst the hardship the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on Ghanaians.
“If Ghanaians had money, Nana Akufo-Addo wouldn’t give the people freebies in this COVID-19 era.” He noted
Nana Oteatuoso called on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, to intervene in resolving the matter, “because closing traders shops for non-payment of taxes should not occur in this critical and crucial period.”
RESPONSE BY THE KMA
In a quick response, the Chief Executive of the KMA, Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, emphasized that this year’s general elections matter most to everyone because Ghanaians are aware of the work Nana Akufo-Addo has done within the three and half years.
He however noted that , the GRA is not under the KMA Besides, it is the President who appoints the Commissioner for the GRA.
“I am alive to my responsibilities. Nana Oteatuoso cannot tell me to wake up.” He told the host of the Programme, Oheneba Nana Asiedu
Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi revealed that the Assembly has raised the issue with the GRA officials.
“I know that we need tax to develop the country but we don’t discriminate in its collection.” He said
The KMA Chief Executive appealed to the Akyem Royal to call at the offices of KMA to get the details of its activities rather than making utterances on air and making it seem as if the KMA is naïve about their work.