Business magnate and politician, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, yesterday as part of his civic responsibilities, filed his 2015 tax returns at the office of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Accra.

Accompanied by some big wigs of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Dr. Nduom presented a cheque of GHC44,481.62 as outstanding taxes deducted at source to the Authority.

He also filed the tax returns of his wife, Mrs. Yvonne Nduom.

The celebrated entrepreneur was met by staff of the Authority who took him through the process to complete payment of his taxes for 2015.

The amount was calculated on a chargeable income of GHC569,332.53 which amount was not necessarily personal income, but some returns on investments and board allowance incomes therein.

And that the total of the tax component paid on the above income was GHC146,248.13 which was deducted at source, leaving a remainder of GHC44,481.62.

Speaking to the media shortly after filing, Dr. Nduom admitted the money was huge but indicated that “that is what the law requires I do.”

According to him, the decision to file his tax returns annually stemmed from the fact that first, “it is the responsibility of every Ghanaian and anyone who works in the country to pay tax, and secondly, to lead an exemplary life as a leader for his followers to follow.”

He further explained that deductions on pay rolls and taxes on board sittings allowances do not constitute tax component required by law, adding that one is still mandated by law to file returns at the end of each year since “it will let you know whether you owe taxes or whether GRA has over taxed you.”

Against this background, he urged all Ghanaians to pay their taxes to help move the country forward.

The 2012 flag-bearer of the PPP however, expressed regret over the constitutional provision which exempts the president from paying tax.

“It is morally right for whoever occupies the highest office of the land to pay tax,” he said.

Nevertheless, he called on Ghanaians to join him kick against the excessive taxation.

Dr. Nduom lamented that utility bills at his hotels and factories have gone up by over 500%, yet service rates at the facilities still remain the same.

“Excessive taxation cannot be a good road towards building a great nation,” he advised.

In his opinion, paying taxes gives him power to talk and express his opinions on how national assets should be managed and utilised.

And although he was happy with government’s decision to revamp the Komenda Sugar Factory in the Central region which would offer employment to the people in the area, Dr. Nduom wondered where the raw materials—sugar cane, would be gotten from, especially when no sugar canes are being grown currently in the country.

Dr. Nduom could also not understand why outboard motors procured with tax payer’s money should be embossed with pictures of President John Dramani Mahama.

“The president is using people’s taxes to campaign,” he said.

He further could not understand what President Dramani Mahama meant by “evidence-based” presentation during his State of the Nation Address, and therefore charged Ghanaians to go to those places mentioned and see the true evidence there.

Dr. Nduom also assured Ghanaians that when he is elected president of the country, he would fight for the amendment of certain provisions of the constitution including where the president is exempted from paying tax.

To this end, he dared all politicians in the country who have hidden behind the Assets Declaration Act to openly declare their assets.
“A country whose leaders hide their assets never prosper because young people don’t see how you make your money; they may think that you make your money through magic,” he said.