Sack GRA Boss Concerned Citizens of Ghana Demand
By: Isaac Boamah Darko
Accra, Ghana – Concerned Citizens of Ghana, a group dedicated to upholding the principles of good governance, has called for the urgent removal of Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Commissioner General of the Customs Division within the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Ms. Julian Essiam, a Revenue Generation Officer. The group alleges that both individuals are serving in their positions illegally, with their tenures extended beyond the legally stipulated period.
Addressing the press at a conference held in Accra, Charles Tuffour, the Convenor of Concerned Citizens of Ghana, expressed disappointment at the lack of action taken by relevant authorities despite their efforts to address the issue through official channels. Tuffour highlighted the selective justice displayed by the Special Prosecutor, who had successfully removed previous GRA boss Kennel Damoah RTD. from office, but failed to apply the same principle to Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah.
The group emphasized that Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai’s continued tenure raises significant questions about adherence to established policies, particularly the government’s stance on ending contract extensions for agencies and departments. Concerned Citizens of Ghana drew attention to previous instances where officials such as the former Auditor General and retired military personnel had their contracts terminated in line with this principle. They questioned why Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai was exempt from the same standards.
The group further highlighted the financial implications of the extended tenure, with taxpayers bearing the burden of a prolonged contract and its associated benefits. They expressed concern that the Finance Minister and the GRA Board Chairman were allegedly contemplating a two to three-year contract extension for Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai, despite the presence of numerous qualified Ghanaians capable of assuming the role. This decision, they argued, not only raises concerns about fiscal responsibility but also exacerbates the issue of unemployment in the country.
Concerned Citizens of Ghana also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of Ms. Julian Essiam, a Revenue Generation Officer, as a beneficiary of what appears to be an unfair and illegitimate act by the President. They called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the practices within the GRA, particularly regarding the adherence to retirement policies.
Additionally, the group highlighted the alleged illegal borrowing of $75 million from the GRA’s balance sheet, as cited in the 2022 Annual Public Debt Report. They formally requested a comprehensive investigation into these matters, expressing disappointment that their concerns had gone unanswered despite petitioning various authorities.
In conclusion, Concerned Citizens of Ghana called for transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of the integrity of Ghana’s institutions. They warned of a planned picketing at the GRA headquarters, scheduled for a later date, should their concerns continue to be ignored.
The group expressed their trust that relevant investigative bodies would promptly and transparently address the serious allegations, upholding the principles of good governance that Ghana’s democracy stands for.