Nana Kwame Bediako, widely known as Cheddar and the leader of the New Force Movement, has found himself entangled in a series of tax evasion scandals, laying bare his apparent disregard for state laws and commitment to national development.
Insiders at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have disclosed that during the period from 2013 to 2016, the self-styled businessman failed to file his personal income tax returns, prompting the GRA to impose a penalty of GH¢50,000.00.
Moreover, for the period spanning 2021 to 2022, GRA issued Mr. Bediako an estimated assessment of GH¢2,088,228 and GH¢5,096,536.
However, Mr. Bediako neglected to file his taxes, leading to additional penalties imposed by the GRA.
Cheddar is renowned for acquiring numerous luxurious vehicles, registering multiple companies, and making substantial gifts and donations. Nevertheless, according to the GRA, the sources of income supporting the lavish lifestyle of the New Force leader have not been disclosed to the Commissioner-General.
A breakdown of his tax penalties for failing to file tax returns reveals that the self-styled businessman incurred fines of GHS15,222.00 in 2013, GHS14,492 in 2014, GHS13,760 in 2015, and GHS6,526 in 2016.
The GRA source further disclosed that, except for the years 2018 to 2020 when Mr. Bediako filed his personal income tax returns, he developed a habit of evading taxes, raising significant questions about his honesty.
Mr. Bediako is noted for boasting about his successes and making promises to build a country of entrepreneurs. In a television interview, the leader of the New Force claimed to have amassed his first one million pounds sterling at the age of 21.
He asserted that Ghana is in dire need of a transformation, and his New Force is here to bring about that change.
However, questions have arisen regarding how a person who has developed the habit of breaking state tax laws could be trusted to lead a transformative change.
This guy, does he think they will allow him to flow freely? No he shouldn’t expect that.
Meanwhile, knowing his intentions, he should have organized himself well and he should have also waited for some time.
This is clear attempt from Government to discredit Nana Kwame Bediako. He’s done a lot of charitable contributions. He’s even building a Zoo for Ghana. GRA should give him a break. Attacking him for personal income tax when that same personal income is doing charitable things through New Africa Foundation is crazy.