Nana Kwasi Boatey challenges predecessor over GH₵22m GPCL VAT debt

The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), Nana Kwasi Boatey, has challenged his predecessor, David Asante Boateng, to account for GH₵22 million in outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities. Speaking during the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Boatey defended his administration’s performance by highlighting a significant financial turnaround, reporting a net profit of GH₵16.9 million for the 2025 financial year. The MD’s remarks come as a direct response to public criticisms from Mr. Boateng regarding the current management of the state-owned enterprise.

Under Mr. Boatey’s leadership, GPCL saw its profit surge by over 600 percent, rising from GH₵2.2 million in 2024 to GH₵16.9 million in 2025. Total revenue for the year reached approximately GH₵72 million, driven by what the MD described as enhanced operational efficiencies, improved delivery services, and aggressive revenue mobilization strategies. Despite these gains, Mr. Boatey noted that the company remains burdened by the GH₵22 million VAT debt he claims was left behind by the previous administration.

The exchange between the current and former leadership intensified after Mr. Boateng suggested that the current MD should be less vocal about his achievements. In a spirited defense, Mr. Boatey questioned the financial health of the company at the time of the leadership transition, specifically pointing to the bank balances and the accumulation of tax arrears. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and invited an independent review of GPCL’s financial records to verify the figures presented and the state of the company’s liabilities.

Looking forward, the GPCL management remains focused on addressing the inherited tax obligations while continuing to modernize its operations. Mr. Boatey reiterated that the company’s priority is to maintain its growth trajectory and ensure that it remains a profitable and self-sustaining state institution. The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of managing historical debts in state enterprises even as they achieve operational profitability.