According to Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), oil marketing companies (OMCs) across the nation owe the government more than GH400 million.
He emphasized that the fact that “the OMCs don’t want to pay taxes” was regrettable and that the debts were in the form of taxes.
When he opened the newly renovated conference room for the Bono Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Sunyani, which had been paid for by the NPA through the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility fund, Dr. Abdul-Hamid made this statement.
He said although God had blessed the country, the bad attitudes of many Ghanaians remained the bane of socio-economic development of the nation.
“Change of attitude is required if we can build our nation,” Dr. Abdul-Hamid stated, saying “we all have no choice but to contribute as little as we can because individual commitment is needed towards the holistic development of the nation.”
Comparing Ghana to other advanced countries, he said it would be a sign of ingratitude to “God and our forefathers if Ghanaians continue to speak ill of a country which offers all levels of education partially free to our people”.
“So, let’s all try and change our attitudes and rededicate ourselves to the development of our country because everybody, including the clergy, chiefs and queens, politicians and academia, has our share of running the country down.”
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, expressed appreciation to the Management, Board and entire staff of the NPA for renovating the conference hall, which she added was left to deteriorate.
“The renovation of the conference hall is a testament of the good work of the NPA and for that matter Dr. Abdul-Hamid,” she indicated, saying the facility had now been put in good shape to facilitate effective work of the RCC.