The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has cautioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against the hasty release of inaccurate information to the media regarding its ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion by some players in the downstream petroleum sector.
The caution follows a statement issued by the OSP on April 7, in which it claimed to have conducted a high-profile, court-approved raid on five fuel depots and their associated Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) facilities.
The move was described as a decisive step against suspected petroleum import irregularities in Ghana.
According to the OSP, the coordinated searches form part of an ongoing probe into the alleged under-declaration of petroleum imports, deliberate misrepresentation of fuel types during depot transfers, and systemic tax evasion.
Early indications from the operation suggested that some BDCs may have colluded with officials from the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the National Security Secretariat to facilitate illicit financial transactions.
The OSP further indicated that Platon Oil & Gas, Sentuo Oil, Chase Petroleum Gh. Ltd, Akwaaba Oil, and Sahara Oil & Gas Ltd are under investigation.
In a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, the Chamber clarified that issues relating to petroleum taxes, as currently discussed in the public domain, are generally incidental to the operations of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), not refineries, petroleum terminals, or BDCs.
The Chamber underscored the importance of measured and restrained public commentary to safeguard the reputation and operations of the companies involved.
“It is pertinent to note that these companies maintain extensive trading and financial relationships, both locally and internationally. Accordingly, any reputational damage at this stage may have far-reaching consequences, which may not be easily reversed—particularly if subsequent investigations clarify the position of the entities concerned,” the statement said.
The Chamber called on all members and Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) who are subjects of the investigation to fully cooperate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
“We urge all stakeholders and the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid premature conclusions that could have unintended consequences for businesses and the broader industry,” it added.
CBOD reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in the downstream petroleum sector.
“We stand ready to assist the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other law enforcement agencies in their investigations and in enhancing understanding of industry operations,” the statement concluded.
Checks by this portal indicate that the OSP has since removed the statement from its Facebook page.
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