The circumstances leading to the resignation of the Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Dr. Anthony Oteng Gyasi, has been revealed.
According to Techfocus24, Dr. Anthony Oteng Gyasi, resigned because he objected to the appointment of Julie Essiam, who was allegedly preferred by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
“Techfocus24 sources said the Board Chairman of GRA, Dr. Oteng Gyasi has opted to resign because he is opposed to the appointment of Julie Essiam, who is allegedly favored by former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta”.
Ken Ofori-Atta is still much in the game."Techfocus24 sources said the Board Chairman of GRA, Dr. Oteng Gyasi has opted to resign because he is opposed to the appointment of Julie Essiam, who is allegedly favored by former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta."https://t.co/Tc0eYwlwk7
— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) March 27, 2024
President Akufo-Addo dissolved the Board of the GRA on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
While the specific rationale behind the dissolution of the Board led by Dr. Anthony Oteng-Gyasi was not disclosed, reports indicate recent disagreements within the Board.
This decision by the President follows shortly after New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia accused the GRA of pressuring businesses for taxes due to unrealistic targets.
The dissolved GRA Board, chaired by Dr. Anthony Oteng-Gyasi, comprised members such as Mr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Mad. Adelaide Ahwireng, Prof. Peter Ohene Kyei, Mr. Kwabena Boaten, Mrs. Dela Obeng-Sakyi, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, and Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei.
Moreover, there are unconfirmed reports suggesting that Rev. Amishaddai Owusu Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, has been relieved of his duties.
Although GRA sources acknowledge hearing such rumors, they cannot confirm them without an official statement. While some employees claim to have seen the GRA boss at the office on Tuesday, he has not been spotted on Wednesday, March 27.
In December 2023, a group named the Concerned Citizens of Ghana threatened protests over the prolonged tenure of Dr. Ammishaddai and a deputy commissioner, Ms. Julie Essiam.
Subsequently, in January 2024, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, urged Parliament to designate the Commissioner-General as a persona non grata for exceeding the mandated 60 years, insinuating that he lacked a contract with the state.