Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has issued a stern warning of impending legal action against the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah.
This comes amidst allegations of irregularities regarding Owusu-Amoah’s continued tenure at the helm of the GRA without a valid contract extension from the Ministry of Finance.
The issue stems from Owusu-Amoah’s tenure exceeding the mandatory retirement age of 60, as per legal requirements for public officeholders in Ghana.
Despite this, he has reportedly occupied the position for approximately two years without the necessary documentation authorizing his continued role.
Speaking to reporters, Dafeamekpor emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting the potential legal ramifications of Owusu-Amoah’s prolonged stay in office without proper contractual authorization. He raised concerns over what he described as the erosion of accountability within the system, citing instances of collusion, cronyism, and political interference.
Furthermore, Dafeamekpor underscored the gravity of the situation, asserting that it is not only a matter of legality but also one of ethical governance. He criticized the apparent lack of action from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency, in addressing the issue promptly following revelations made at a recent sitting of the Public Accounts Committee.
Owusu-Amoah, in his defense, confirmed during the committee hearing that he had been asked by the finance minister to remain in his position with a written contract, despite surpassing the retirement age. However, Dafeamekpor contends that this does not absolve the GRA boss of the need for proper documentation and transparency regarding his tenure.
In pursuit of accountability and transparency, Dafeamekpor revealed that inquiries have been made to the Board of GRA, seeking clarification on the specifics of Owusu-Amoah’s contractual status, including the duration of his tenure beyond retirement age and the corresponding financial implications.
Should satisfactory responses not be forthcoming, Dafeamekpor warned that legal recourse, including potential litigation, would be pursued, citing constitutional and statutory provisions governing appointments to public office.
The situation surrounding Owusu-Amoah’s tenure at the GRA continues to fuel debate over accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal norms within Ghana’s public sector. As stakeholders await further developments, the specter of legal action looms large, underscoring the importance of upholding governance standards and the rule of law.