Govt. losing revenue in Gardnersville?

The Government of Liberia (GoL) appears to be losing hundreds of dollars in revenue generation due to the alleged absence of a legitimate account through which taxes due government can be deposited by business establishments and squatters.

Documents in the possession of this paper reveal that small, medium sized and big businesses operating in the township allegedly pay government revenues directly to the office of the Township Commissioner with no official revenue flag receipt issued.

Based on the information, it is observed that G.S.P. Business Center located opposite the Stephen A. Tolbert Estate, Gardnersville, was on November 1, 2016 allegedly issued an official clearance without revenue receipt attached, as permission to open to the public for business transactions between the hour of 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays and Holidays.

The documents also disclose that the alleged official clearance given the G.S.P. Business Center is valid for six months from the date of issuance.

Signed by Township Commissioner Mr. Vamba F. Kanneh, the document instructs the holder of the official clearance to display it in a visible location and adhere to all ordinances, and regulations of the Township and all laws of the Republic of Liberia.

According to the investigation, on 23 August 2016, Commissioner Kanneh allegedly issued another official clearance without revenue receipt attached to the Average Cost Auto Parts located at Day-Break Mouth Open Community in Gardnersville, to operate under the same condition.

The official clearance given to the Average Cost Auto Parts is valid for one year as of the date issued by the Commissioner. Dozens of frustrated residents of the township including youth have staged a peaceful protest, calling on President George Manneh Weah to immediately appoint a new commissioner to administer the affairs of the township.

The protesters say they want the president to prevent Commissioner Kanneh from continuously acting as commissioner, allegedly issuing clearances and other ordinance documents to businesses and individuals without
any accountability.

During a visit at the Gardnersville Town Hall by our reporter on 3 April to verify the information, he was informed by administrative staffers there that Commissioner Kanneh was out of office.

Every efforts to get Mr. Kanneh to speak to the matter via mobile phone proved fruitless as his LoneStar and Cellcom numbers rang continuously without any response. Investigation continues.

By Emmanuel Mondaye–Edited by Winston W. Parley