A contingent of dissatisfied youth, reportedly linked to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has assembled at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) headquarters to express their discontent regarding the appointment of Anthony Sarpong as Acting Commissioner-General.
On January 21, President John Dramani Mahama announced Mr. Sarpong’s new role, which entails overseeing the tax collection and revenue mobilization efforts in Ghana.
Mr. Sarpong is a distinguished accountant and auditor, having previously held the position of Senior Partner at KPMG, a globally recognized auditing and consulting firm.
Nonetheless, his appointment has been perceived as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing Ghana’s revenue systems during a period when the government is under pressure to achieve fiscal targets and stabilize the economy.
Despite his credentials, certain members of the NDC have voiced their opposition to the appointment, alleging that Mr. Sarpong has connections to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). This has raised apprehensions regarding his allegiance to the government’s revenue objectives and the ruling party’s influence over essential institutions.
The protesters have urged President Mahama to revoke the appointment, contending that placing an individual perceived to be aligned with the opposition in such a pivotal position could jeopardize the party’s interests.
This controversy underscores the internal tensions within the ruling NDC as it navigates the delicate balance between party loyalty and the necessity for capable leadership to tackle urgent economic issues.
The government has not yet addressed the calls for a reassessment of the appointment.