A trailblazer in finance, taxation, and public sector reforms, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has been tasked to transform the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with his appointment as Acting Commissioner-General, by the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
Anthony Sarpong’s illustrious career spans nearly three decades and stands as a testament to his exceptional leadership and expertise.
Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished professionals, his appointment has been hailed by Ghanaians who recognize the depth of his experience and unparalleled commitment to excellence.
Mr. Sarpong’s name is synonymous with transformation and innovation.
As the former Country Managing Partner of KPMG-Ghana and a key figure in KPMG Africa’s leadership, he has consistently delivered impactful solutions across industries.
With a proven track record in restructuring, risk management, and financial oversight, he is poised to lead the GRA into a new chapter of efficiency, transparency, and enhanced revenue mobilization. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a vision to drive Ghana’s development through effective public financial management.
CAREER EXCELLENCE
Born and raised in Ghana, Mr. Sarpong’s journey is a story of hard work, determination, and excellence. A proud alumnus of the University of Ghana Business School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Accounting) in 1996, and has consistently demonstrated his commitment to professional and academic advancement. He holds an MSc in Financial Risk Management from London Metropolitan University and has also completed executive programs at the London Business School and Harvard University.
Professionally, Mr. Sarpong is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Practitioner, holding fellowships with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), and memberships with the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana (CITG), and the Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (GARIA).
During his tenure at KPMG, Mr. Sarpong rose through the ranks, serving in various leadership capacities, including Head of Audit and Assurance, Head of Quality, Ethics, and Risk Management, and Head of Training and Development. Under his leadership, KPMG Ghana became synonymous with quality service delivery and innovation, earning the trust of both private and public sector clients.
LEADERSHIP
Anthony Sarpong’s remarkable achievements extend beyond the corporate world. He has led several high-impact national and international projects, demonstrating his ability to deliver results under complex circumstances. Notable among his accomplishments is his role as team lead in the development of a domestic revenue mobilization policy for Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. This policy has been instrumental in boosting the country’s revenue generation capacity, a critical factor in meeting development objectives.
He also spearheaded the creation of Ghana’s first road financing framework aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in partnership with the United Nations. Additionally, his work with the World Bank and other development partners to design frameworks for supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) underscores his commitment to economic inclusivity and growth.
In the area of public financial management, Mr. Sarpong has led numerous reviews of Ghana’s policies and practices, guiding towards alignment with global standards. His expertise in restructuring and insolvency has also been instrumental in supporting struggling institutions to regain their footing.
VISION
As he takes the helm at the GRA, Mr. Sarpong’s vision is clearly aligned to that of President John Dramani Mahama: to build a robust, technology-driven, and transparent revenue administration system that supports Ghana’s development agenda and promotes the success of businesses.
Drawing from his extensive experience in implementing technology-driven solutions and organizational restructuring, he is poised to enhance efficiency in tax collection and compliance at GRA.
With a leadership record rooted in collaboration and innovation, Mr. Sarpong is well-positioned to foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including businesses, development partners, and the general public. His proven ability to manage large teams—having directly led over 500 professionals at KPMG Ghana and contributed to the leadership of 6,500 personnel across Africa—places him in an advantageous position to drive the transformation of the GRA.
In his professional life, the result-driven Sarpong’s impeccable character, bold initiative, objectivity and drive for solutions have shone through. These are traits that will undoubtedly stand him in good stead as the head of Ghana’s Revenue Agency.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Sarpong is deeply committed to youth and community development and capacity building. As Chairman of the Ghana ENACTUS Board, he has mentored countless young people, nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations and fostering innovation among the next generation of leaders.
He also serves as President of the 1996 University of Ghana Business School Alumni Association and an ambassador for the school, further demonstrating his dedication to giving back to the institutions that shaped him.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Sarpong served on the management team and as lead administrator of the private sector Fund that constructed the 1st infectious disease center at the GA East Hospital, in response to the pandemic.
These community and youth engagements bear strong testament to his people-centered approach to development, and prowess in crises management.
A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER
Anthony Kwasi Sarpong’s appointment as Commissioner-General of the GRA could not have come at a better time. Ghana is at a crossroads, requiring bold leadership to tackle revenue leakages, improve tax compliance, and meet its citizens’ growing expectations for rapid development. Mr. Sarpong’s wealth of experience, impeccable credentials, and unshakable integrity make him a natural fit for this critical role.
As he steps into this new chapter, Ghanaians can look forward to a revenue administration system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and innovation. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong is more than just the new face of the GRA; he is a symbol of what is possible when expertise meets purpose-driven leadership.
SOURCE: FINANCE MINISTRY
