President Mahama sued over appointment of new GRA boss

A legal battle has unfolded in the High Court of Justice, General Jurisdiction, Accra, as plaintiff Emmanuella Sarfowaah files suit against Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Attorney General. The case centers on allegations of conflict of interest arising from the appointment of the 1st Defendant, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The plaintiff argues that Mr. Sarpong’s position as a Senior Partner of KPMG, a global accounting firm with existing contractual relationships with the GRA, presents a conflict of interest. The appointment was made by the President of Ghana, despite the absence of a governing council for the GRA to provide the constitutionally required advice. This raises concerns about the legality of the appointment under Ghana’s laws.

The lawsuit seeks several remedies, including a declaration that the appointment is unlawful and constitutes a conflict of interest, an order to revoke the appointment, and an injunction restraining any further actions by the President or the governing council of the GRA concerning the appointment. The plaintiff emphasizes the need to enforce compliance with the laws of Ghana and protect the integrity of public service appointments.

The case will be closely watched, as it touches on critical issues of governance, transparency, and adherence to constitutional principles. The defendants are expected to respond within the mandated time frame as the legal proceedings begin.