Concerned youth groups within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale have criticized the appointment of Anthony Sarpong as Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), deeming it inappropriate.
President John Dramani Mahama appointed Sarpong, a Senior Partner at auditing firm KPMG, to the position. However, the groups have expressed doubts about his ability to lead the country’s revenue mobilization efforts, citing his alleged ties to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At a press conference in Tamale, Abu Jamal, the coordinator of the Concerned Youth of NDC, called for the revocation of Sarpong’s appointment and urged the president to consider appointing a more credible candidate for the role.
“We do not agree to this appointment for him to serve in your government because we do not see him as someone who can lead a revenue generation drive due to his affiliation with the NPP party. Mr Sarpong was appointed by the former president Nana Akufo-Addo to serve on the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) in September 2020.
“He was a man who served together with other NPP persons and the former EOCO boss. Our wealth in Ghana is in trouble with Mr Sarpong. We therefore wish to draw the attention of President Mahama, that the NDC is made up of knowledgeable people who can manage the various sectors better and excellently. Therefore, for us, Mr Sarpong’s appointment should be revoked,” he stated.
The group has vowed to embark on a protest should the president not heed their call for a reappointment to the GRA.
They are certain of more knowledgeable individuals who can be considered for the said position to replace Anthony Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
“We are giving the president 5 working days to revoke the appointment of Mr Sarpong. If such a move persists, we will be forced to hit the street,” he added.
