A faction of loyalists within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has voiced their unequivocal displeasure over the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The appointment, made by President John Dramani Mahama, has sparked concerns among some party members, who view it as a betrayal of the party’s principles and expectations.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, January 22, the group expressed their disappointment and urged President Mahama to reconsider the decision.
The statement reflected the group’s dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of prioritisation for loyal party members in critical government roles.
The group began by acknowledging President Mahama’s recent efforts in assembling a team of competent individuals to fill public service roles.
Over the past two weeks, the President has been praised for his dedication to selecting professionals and technocrats to occupy strategic positions in government, a move seen as fulfilling his campaign promise to promote inclusivity and meritocracy.
However, the group argued that the appointment of Mr. Sarpong represents a significant deviation from these principles. They criticised the President’s decision to entrust such a sensitive position to someone with alleged ties to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), a move they described as troubling and misguided.
“It is troubling that such a figure is given a distinguished political appointment when numerous experienced and committed NDC members are overlooked,” the statement read in part.
Central to their dissatisfaction is Anthony Kwasi Sarpong’s purported affiliation with the NPP. The group highlighted his past appointment to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), a decision made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in September 2020.
The group argued that the appointment disregards the contributions and sacrifices of loyal NDC members who worked tirelessly to ensure the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
At the time, Mr. Sarpong was appointed alongside other individuals believed to be aligned with the NPP, a fact that the group says undermines his suitability for the role of Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA.
Click here to read the statement.
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