President Mahama Sued Over ‘Illegal’ Appointment of GRA Boss
Private Citizen Challenges Legality of Anthony Sarpong’s Appointment, Citing Conflict of Interest
- A lawsuit has been filed against Mahama over the appointment of Anthony Sarpong as Acting GRA Commissioner-General
- Plaintiff argues Sarpong’s ties to KPMG, which has contracts with GRA, make the appointment unlawful
- The suit claims the appointment was made without a Governing Council, violating legal procedures
A private citizen, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, has taken legal action against President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Filed through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the lawsuit questions the legality of Mahama’s decision, citing concerns of conflict of interest and procedural violations.
Sarpong’s appointment followed the resignation of his predecessor, Julie Essiam, on January 20, 2025. His selection was based on Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 13(1) of the Ghana Revenue Act, 2009 (Act 791). However, Sarfowaah argues that his role as a senior partner at KPMG—a firm with contractual ties to the GRA—raises ethical and legal concerns.
Court documents reveal that Sarfowaah also challenges the appointment on grounds that it was made in the absence of a Governing Council, which she claims is a violation of due process.
“The Plaintiff says that the 1st Defendant was, and/or still is, listed as a Senior Partner of KPMG, a foreign accounting firm operating in Ghana. KPMG has had financial dealings with the GRA, making this appointment a serious conflict of interest,” portions of the suit state.
She is seeking a court order to overturn Sarpong’s appointment, arguing that it breaches Ghanaian law. Additionally, she demands an injunction preventing his continued service as Acting Commissioner-General and barring any future appointment of individuals with similar conflicts.
As the case unfolds, the court has directed all defendants to file their responses within eight days.
