A private citizen, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, has filed a lawsuit against President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Sarfowaah is challenging the legality of Sarpong’s appointment, which came after Julie Essiam resigned from the position on January 20, 2025.
Sarpong’s appointment was made in line with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 13(1) of the Ghana Revenue Act, 2009.
However, Sarfowaah argues that the appointment is unlawful due to a potential conflict of interest.
She claims that Sarpong still holds a senior position at KPMG, a foreign accounting firm with which the GRA has had contractual relationships. Sarfowaah contends that this association raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
Additionally, the lawsuit challenges the absence of a GRA Governing Council at the time of Sarpong’s appointment.
Sarfowaah asserts that the law requires the GRA’s Governing Council to provide advice before a Commissioner-General can be appointed.
The plaintiff is requesting the court to overturn the appointment, arguing that it violates Ghana’s laws and undermines proper governance procedures.
Sarfowaah is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent Sarpong from continuing in the role. The court has instructed all defendants to respond to the suit within eight days.
This legal action has sparked debate about the transparency and legality of key government appointments, particularly concerning potential conflicts of interest.