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A group of aggrieved youth, believed to be aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has staged a protest at the headquarters of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Accra, demanding the revocation of Anthony Sarpong’s appointment as Acting Commissioner-General. The protest follows President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of Sarpong’s appointment on January 21, a move aimed at strengthening Ghana’s tax collection and revenue mobilization efforts.
Anthony Sarpong, a seasoned accountant and auditor, previously served as a Senior Partner at KPMG, a globally recognized auditing and consulting firm. His appointment was widely seen as a strategic decision to enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s revenue systems, particularly as the government faces mounting pressure to meet fiscal targets and stabilize the economy.
However, the appointment has sparked controversy among some NDC members, who claim that Sarpong has ties to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Protesters argue that his perceived allegiance to the NPP could compromise his loyalty to the NDC-led government’s revenue agenda and undermine the ruling party’s influence over key state institutions.
The demonstrators have called on President Mahama to rescind Sarpong’s appointment, insisting that such a critical role should be entrusted to someone with clear allegiance to the NDC. They expressed concerns that Sarpong’s leadership could lead to conflicts of interest and hinder the government’s ability to achieve its economic objectives.
The protest highlights deepening tensions within the NDC as the party grapples with the challenge of balancing political loyalty with the need for competent and experienced leadership to address Ghana’s pressing economic challenges. While some party members prioritize merit-based appointments, others emphasize the importance of ensuring that key positions are held by individuals aligned with the ruling party’s interests.
The government has yet to respond to the protesters’ demands, leaving the public to speculate on whether President Mahama will reconsider Sarpong’s appointment. The controversy underscores the delicate balance required in navigating political affiliations and professional competence in public appointments, particularly in roles as critical as revenue mobilization.
As the protest continues, the situation raises broader questions about governance, transparency, and the role of political loyalty in shaping Ghana’s public institutions. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the NDC’s internal cohesion and its ability to deliver on its economic promises.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com