By GhanaNewsPage 
A faction of disgruntled National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth has staged a protest at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) headquarters in Accra, voicing strong opposition to the appointment of Anthony Sarpong as the acting Commissioner-General.
Table of Contents
The demonstration, which took place on January 29, 2025, comes just days after President John Dramani Mahama appointed Mr. Sarpong to oversee Ghana’s tax collection and revenue mobilization efforts on January 21, 2025.
Why the Protest?
Despite Mr. Sarpong’s extensive experience in accounting and auditing, the protesters claim that he is affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and, therefore, may not align with the governing NDC’s vision for revenue management.
The demonstrators argue that:
- A key government position should be given to a known NDC loyalist rather than a professional perceived to have ties with the opposition.
- His appointment could weaken the NDC’s influence in key state institutions, particularly the GRA, which plays a crucial role in national revenue generation.
- Entrusting a politically sensitive role to a non-NDC member could jeopardize government policies and fiscal strategies.
Also Read: Dr. Stephen Opuni Attributes Legal Victory to Divine Intervention as State Drops All Charges
Who is Anthony Sarpong?
Mr. Sarpong is a seasoned accountant and auditor, having previously served as a Senior Partner at KPMG, one of the world’s leading auditing and consulting firms. His appointment is widely regarded as a strategic move to improve Ghana’s tax administration and enhance revenue generation, especially at a time when the government is striving to stabilize the economy and meet fiscal targets.
While his professional credentials are undisputed, his alleged political affiliations have sparked concerns among sections of the NDC, leading to the public outcry.
Protesters Demand Reversal of Appointment
The angry youth insist that President Mahama should revoke Mr. Sarpong’s appointment and replace him with an individual who has a proven loyalty to the NDC.
“We fought hard to bring this government to power, and we expect appointments that reflect our sacrifices. We cannot allow someone aligned with the opposition to control an institution as important as the GRA,” one protester said.
Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that political loyalty should not be overlooked in favor of professional expertise, especially when it comes to appointments in crucial state agencies.
Also Read: Mahama Mandates Ministers to Declare Assets for Transparency
Government’s Silence on the Matter
So far, the government has not issued an official statement regarding the protest or the demands for a reversal of the decision. Political analysts believe that President Mahama’s response—or lack thereof—could significantly influence his relationship with the party’s grassroots supporters.
Meanwhile, sources within the administration suggest that the government remains committed to appointing professionals based on merit rather than party affiliation, signaling that the protest may not sway the decision.
What’s Next?
As tensions rise within the party over this appointment, the government faces a delicate balancing act—whether to uphold its commitment to competence-driven governance or yield to internal party pressure to maintain political loyalty in key state institutions.
For now, all eyes are on President Mahama and whether he will stand by his decision or bow to the growing demands for a change.
