John Mahama sued in court – Plaintiff claims Kwasi Sarpong’s appointment as GRA boss is unlawful

A private citizen, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, has filed a lawsuit against President John Dramani Mahama, seeking to revoke the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The suit, which was filed in the High Court, accuses Sarpong of a conflict of interest due to his ongoing involvement with KPMG, where he is listed as a senior partner. Sarfowaah contends that Sarpong’s position at KPMG, which she claims still exists as of January 26, 2025, raises serious concerns regarding his appointment to such a sensitive post.

The plaintiff also argues that the appointment process was illegal, as the GRA had no Governing Council at the time of Sarpong’s appointment. According to Sarfowaah, the GRA’s governing council is required to advise the president on such appointments, but the council was absent as of January 21, 2025.

Sarfowaah has requested the court to revoke the appointment, claiming that the president’s decision violates Ghana’s laws. Additionally, she is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent further appointments of Sarpong in either an acting or substantive role as the GRA Commissioner-General.

Sarpong’s appointment followed the resignation of the former GRA Commissioner-General, Julie Essiam, on January 20, 2025. The appointment was made in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 13(1) of the Ghana Revenue Act, 2009.

The court has instructed all defendants to file their responses within eight days of receiving the suit.