Lands Commission Interdicts 14 Staff Members Over Stamp Duty Fraud
The fraudulent scheme, amounting to an alleged GH¢100 million tax loss, was uncovered in May 2022 by the Commission's Audit Unit, which identified discrepancies in the tax figures paid by property owners during property registration processes.
The announcement of these disciplinary actions was made by Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, during the Executive Secretary’s Annual Briefing and launching of the Staff Awards Scheme in Accra.
Mr. Arthur emphasized the Commission's zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and fraudulent activities, stressing that while job security is ensured for employees, any form of malpractice will not be tolerated. Management has pledged full cooperation with state investigative bodies to identify and eliminate any misconduct within the organization.
The unveiling of the Commission's five-year Business Strategic Plan from 2023 to 2027 during the event marks a pivotal step towards enhancing financial sustainability, implementing digital reforms, and upholding staff competence and discipline to improve service delivery.
The announcement of these disciplinary actions was made by Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, during the Executive Secretary’s Annual Briefing and launching of the Staff Awards Scheme in Accra.
While the National Investigations Bureau is handling the legal proceedings against the implicated staff, the Commission clarified that after further investigations, the initial financial impact had been exaggerated.
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In response to this incident, the Commission has initiated internal disciplinary actions against the suspects and is proceeding with final disciplinary processes to determine the appropriate course of action regarding their employment status within the Commission.
In response to this incident, the Commission has initiated internal disciplinary actions against the suspects and is proceeding with final disciplinary processes to determine the appropriate course of action regarding their employment status within the Commission.
Additionally, some staff members are undergoing disciplinary procedures for falsifying records by deceitfully altering or deleting information to produce inaccurate search reports.
Mr. Arthur emphasized the Commission's zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and fraudulent activities, stressing that while job security is ensured for employees, any form of malpractice will not be tolerated. Management has pledged full cooperation with state investigative bodies to identify and eliminate any misconduct within the organization.
The unveiling of the Commission's five-year Business Strategic Plan from 2023 to 2027 during the event marks a pivotal step towards enhancing financial sustainability, implementing digital reforms, and upholding staff competence and discipline to improve service delivery.
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As part of enhancing transparency and public awareness, the Commission is set to launch an informative outreach campaign named "You Deserve to Know." This initiative aims to educate the public on various aspects of the Commission's operations, services, fees, and digital platforms, ultimately fostering a positive corporate image and boosting public trust in the Commission's activities.
While acknowledging challenges faced by the Lands Commission in the public eye, Mr. Arthur highlighted the significance of correcting misconceptions and showcasing the positive contributions of the organization through robust service delivery and transparency. Collaborative efforts among staff and management are pivotal for achieving these objectives in aligning the Commission with improved public perception and efficiency.
As part of enhancing transparency and public awareness, the Commission is set to launch an informative outreach campaign named "You Deserve to Know." This initiative aims to educate the public on various aspects of the Commission's operations, services, fees, and digital platforms, ultimately fostering a positive corporate image and boosting public trust in the Commission's activities.
While acknowledging challenges faced by the Lands Commission in the public eye, Mr. Arthur highlighted the significance of correcting misconceptions and showcasing the positive contributions of the organization through robust service delivery and transparency. Collaborative efforts among staff and management are pivotal for achieving these objectives in aligning the Commission with improved public perception and efficiency.
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Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio, commended the Commission's leadership and outlined the Ministry’s plans for the year, emphasizing digital transformation in land administration and enhancing the Commission's corporate image through initiatives like the completion of a new head office.
Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio, commended the Commission's leadership and outlined the Ministry’s plans for the year, emphasizing digital transformation in land administration and enhancing the Commission's corporate image through initiatives like the completion of a new head office.
He expressed confidence in the Commission's trajectory towards enhanced credibility and efficiency, aiming for a positive public perception in the foreseeable future.
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