The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell has assured that Britain will return any unlaw money taken from Ghana.
In an interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight show, Mr. Mitchell disclosed that Britain has issued a White Paper which deals among others, how stolen or dirty money must be treated.
According to him, President Akufo-Addo has endorsed the document and is optimistic about it.
“One of the aspects which the white paper deals with is dirty money or stolen funds, where Britain under Prime Minister Cameron, who is now Foreign Minister for Britain. One of the key things he did as Prime Minister was to try and tackle global corruption and the flows of illegally taken money.
“I want to point out that the close relationship between our two countries extends to all areas, but in particular if money is stolen from Ghana as a result of corruption, Britain will be a faithful supporter of Ghana to try and bring it back. Something like 40% of all the stolen funds, or the dirty money around the world tend to go through London or British Overseas Territories. So, Britain has a dog in the fight on this, so we want to help Ghana if Ghana has difficulties in that respect,” he said.
Speaking issues of bilateral relations between Ghana and the UK, Mr. Mitchell added that, “There is a very close cooperation with inland revenue- His Majesty’s customs and excise. We have a close programme working together to maximize tax in a decent way. Through the work that is done with the Bank of England, we are to maximise the amount of tax that is raised in a fair way. And of course, that tax money goes to support the education of children, the basic health services upon which our citizens rely whether they are in Ghana or in Britain.”
He further acknowledged the need for transparency in governance.
“Transparency and openness are always at the heart of all these things. whether you are dealing with taxation or other sources of finance. Being open and transparent about it is a key ingredient of building a state which serves its citizens,” he said.