By Spendilove Incoom
A legal battle has erupted over the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Emmanuella Sarfowaah, a Ghanaian citizen, has filed a lawsuit at the High Court of Justice in Accra, arguing that the appointment violates “conflict-of-interest laws” due to Sarpong’s affiliation with KPMG, a global accounting firm.
The suit names Anthony Sarpong, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Attorney General as defendants. The plaintiff contends that Sarpong, who was a Senior Partner at KPMG as of January 26, 2025, was appointed by the President of Ghana on January 21, 2025, as the Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA. The lawsuit argues that this appointment is unlawful because KPMG has fee-paying contractual relationships with the GRA, creating an inherent conflict of interest.
Sarfowaah is seeking a declaration that Sarpong’s appointment is unlawful and in violation of Ghana’s laws on conflict of interest. She is also requesting the court to revoke the appointment and prevent Sarpong from assuming the role. Additionally, the plaintiff is asking for an injunction to stop the GRA’s Governing Council from advising the President to maintain the appointment.
The case raises concerns about transparency and governance in public appointments, particularly regarding the influence of private-sector relationships on state institutions. The Attorney General, representing the government, is expected to defend the appointment, arguing that due process was followed.
The High Court has ordered the defendants to respond within eight days, failing which a default judgment could be issued.
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