A broadcast journalist at Peace FM, Kwabena Marfo, has raised concerns over President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision not to dismiss Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Adu Owusu-Amoah, the head of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), despite having surpassed the retirement age two years ago.
Speaking on Neat FM’s Morning Show on January 31, 2024, Marfo drew attention to what he perceives as a selective approach by the president, citing the removal of former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo for similar reasons.
Marfo highlighted the apparent inconsistency in President Akufo-Addo’s actions, emphasizing that the president swiftly compelled Domelevo to retire, based on age-related grounds.
“The age that he (Owusu-Amoah) is talking about now, they should have a recheck. When such things happen, I direct it to the president straight,” Marfo expressed.
He continued, “Because we were in this country, and he told us that Domelevo, who was the Auditor General, was sixty years, so he should go on retirement. We argued and argued, but he forced Domelevo to go on by forced retirement.”
Marfo pointed out the repercussions of such actions, stating, “When Domelevo went to court, he won the case, proving that the way he was removed wasn’t correct. Look at this one; his tenure in office has lasted for a very long time, but he is still in office.”
Questioning the president’s decision, Marfo added, “If you do such things, you open yourself up for criticism, because you are being selective. Why is this particular person still in office when his retirement is due, while Domelevo was relieved of his duties?”
During a recent session with the Public Accounts Committee, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai, the GRA boss, disclosed that his tenure had expired three years ago. However, in contrast to the former Auditor General, he continues to hold his position without an official contract.
The journalist’s remarks underscore growing scrutiny over the perceived inconsistency in the president’s handling of retirements based on age within government agencies.