In a decisive move against corruption within its ranks, the Lands Commission has interdicted 14 staff members for their alleged involvement in Stamp Duty fraud, following the detection of irregularities in property tax figures in May 2022.
The Commission, responsible for overseeing land transactions in Ghana, took swift action to address the fraudulent activities that reportedly resulted in a 100 million Ghana Cedis tax loss.
The Stamp Duty fraud was brought to light during the Executive Secretary’s Annual Briefing and the launching of the Staff Awards Scheme in Accra on Friday.
Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Acting Executive Secretary, announced the interdiction of the implicated staff and disclosed that the National Investigations Bureau is handling the court processes against them.
While initially reported as a 100 million Ghana Cedis tax loss, the Lands Commission clarified that further investigations revealed an exaggeration of the amount.
Internal disciplinary measures have been initiated, and final actions are pending to determine the fate of the implicated staff within the Commission.
In addition to the Stamp Duty fraud, some Commission staff are also undergoing disciplinary procedures for fraudulent deletion and insertion of records to produce false search reports.
Mr. Arthur emphasized the Commission’s commitment to eradicating acts of indiscipline and fraud within its ranks.
To bolster transparency and public trust, the Lands Commission unveiled a five-year Business Strategic Plan spanning from 2023 to 2027.
The plan outlines major goals, including enhancing financial sustainability, digital reforms, and corporate image, as well as improving the competence and discipline of staff to elevate service delivery.
Mr. Arthur highlighted the upcoming outreach campaign aimed at correcting misconceptions about the Commission and creating a positive corporate image.
The campaign will focus on public awareness regarding the Commission’s mandate, service delivery processes, fees for services, and digital reform platforms.
Acknowledging past challenges, Mr. Arthur stressed that the corporate image redemption drive must align with tangible improvements in service delivery.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio, expressed confidence in the Commission’s leadership and affirmed the Ministry’s plans for digital transformation, the completion of a new head office, and enhancing the Commission’s corporate image.
As the Lands Commission takes proactive measures to address internal issues and rebuild public trust, the path towards transparency, efficiency, and credibility becomes pivotal for the organization’s future.,
