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Private citizen sues Mahama over appointment of new GRA boss

Ghana’s President Mahama Faces Legal Challenge Over GRA Appointment

Accra, Ghana – February 2, 2025 – A private citizen, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, has taken legal action against President John Dramani Mahama over his recent appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Sarfowaah, through a writ filed at the High Court, is challenging the legality of the appointment, raising concerns over a potential conflict of interest and procedural irregularities.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit lists:

  • Anthony Kwasi Sarpong (1st Defendant)
  • Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) (2nd Defendant)
  • President John Dramani Mahama, through the Attorney General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (3rd Defendant)

Sarfowaah contends that Kwasi Sarpong remains affiliated with KPMG, a global accounting firm where he is still listed as a Senior Partner. She argues that his appointment to head the GRA, a key tax-collecting institution, presents a conflict of interest.

Additionally, she claims that the appointment was made without the required advice from the GRA Governing Council, which, at the time, was not properly constituted—a move she deems unlawful.

Legal Demands

Sarfowaah is seeking the revocation of the appointment, asserting that it violates Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791).

Her lawsuit demands:

  1. A declaration that the appointment is unlawful due to conflicts of interest.
  2. An order revoking Kwasi Sarpong’s appointment as Acting Commissioner-General.
  3. A perpetual injunction preventing President Mahama from appointing Kwasi Sarpong to the role.
  4. A restraining order preventing the GRA Governing Council from advising on his appointment.

Background and Next Steps

Kwasi Sarpong’s appointment followed the resignation of Julie Essiam on January 20, 2025. His appointment was made under Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 13(1) of the Ghana Revenue Act, 2009 (Act 791).

The High Court has directed all defendants to file their responses within eight days of receiving the summons.

Political and Public Reactions

The case has sparked debate over executive appointments and corporate influence in public institutions. Some view the lawsuit as a necessary check on government power, while others argue it may be politically motivated.

As the legal battle unfolds, the court’s decision will set a precedent for public office appointments in Ghana’s governance structure.

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