Nana Kwame Bediako, widely known as Cheddar, is embroiled in a series of tax evasion controversies, according to documents obtained from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The records reveal that he has incurred substantial penalties for the non-filing of income tax, raising concerns about his commitment to financial transparency, especially in light of his aspirations to lead the nation.
The disclosed documents expose a recurring pattern of tax evasion. From 2013 to 2016, Cheddar faced penalties of GHC15,222, GHC14,492, GHC13,760, and GHC6,526 for neglecting to submit personal income tax returns. While he seemingly complied for the tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, the troubling trend of non-compliance resurfaced in 2021 and 2022.
According to the leaked document, the estimated evaded taxes for these two years are staggering, reaching GHC2,088,228 for 2021 and GHC5,096,536 for 2022.
Cheddar’s presidential ambitions, centered around promising a new era of development and change in Ghanaian politics, face a significant challenge with the revelation of consistent failures to fulfill basic civic duties, such as paying taxes.
This inconsistency raises questions about his credibility, especially considering his advocacy for positive change in recent political pronouncements and his declaration of intent to contest the presidency.
The GRA’s recent disclosure serves as a litmus test for Cheddar to address these tax evasion allegations transparently and with accountability. As the general election approaches, voters may find it challenging to reconcile his proclaimed commitment to change with perceived financial hypocrisy.