A private citizen, Emmanuella Sarfowaah, has taken legal action against Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, challenging his appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The lawsuit, filed through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, raises concern over the legality of the appointment.
According to court documents, Sarfowaah’s suit questions the legitimacy of Mahama’s decision, citing a potential conflict of interest. She argues that Kwasi Sarpong remains a senior partner at KPMG, making his appointment to the GRA problematic.
The writ of summons from the High Court names three defendants: Anthony Kwasi Sarpong (1st Defendant), the Ghana Revenue Authority (2nd Defendant), and President John Dramani Mahama, represented through the Attorney General (3rd Defendant).
Additionally, the plaintiff contests the procedure followed in appointing the Acting Commissioner-General, stating that it was done in the absence of a Governing Council, rendering it illegal. Sarfowaah is seeking a court order to revoke the appointment and an injunction to prevent President Mahama from proceeding with it.
“The plaintiff claims further or in the alternative, a finding that the appointment of the 1st Defendant, a former employee of KPMG and/or a person with an interest in KPMG or a person who had an interest in KPMG until 21st January 2025, by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA is unlawful as it was made in violation of the laws of Ghana; “An order revoking the appointment of the 1st Defendant, a former employee of KPMG and/or a person with interest in KPMG or a person who had an interest in KPMG, by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA,” part of the document reads.
The court has directed all defendants to file their responses within eight days of receiving the suit.
