A group of aggrieved youth, reportedly aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), gathered at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) headquarters to protest the appointment of Anthony Sarpong as Acting Commissioner-General.
President John Dramani Mahama announced Mr. Sarpong’s appointment on January 21, tasking him with the critical role of overseeing Ghana’s tax collection and revenue mobilisation at a time when the government is under pressure to meet fiscal targets and stabilise the economy.
Mr. Sarpong, a highly respected accountant and auditor, previously served as a Senior Partner at KPMG, a globally renowned auditing and consulting firm. His appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen Ghana’s revenue systems and improve economic performance.
However, the decision has faced opposition from some NDC members who allege that Mr. Sarpong has ties to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Protesters argue that his perceived affiliation with the opposition raises questions about his commitment to the government’s revenue agenda and the ruling party’s interests.
The demonstrators have called on President Mahama to rescind the appointment, expressing concerns that placing someone with alleged opposition links in such a pivotal role could undermine the party’s influence over key institutions.
This controversy underscores internal tensions within the NDC as it seeks to balance party loyalty with the need for skilled leadership to address Ghana’s economic challenges.
The government has yet to issue an official response to the demands for a reconsideration of the appointment.