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Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday staged a protest at the headquarters of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), physically blocking Anthony Sarpong, the newly appointed acting commissioner-general, from accessing his office.
The demonstrators, who chanted slogans and carried placards, expressed their vehement opposition to Mr. Sarpong’s appointment, citing alleged political affiliations with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The group claimed that his leadership could undermine the interests of the ruling NDC government.
President John Dramani Mahama had announced Mr. Sarpong’s appointment on January 21, describing the accomplished accountant and former KPMG senior partner as a critical asset in strengthening Ghana’s tax collection systems amid fiscal challenges.
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However, the announcement has sparked discontent within a section of the NDC, with members accusing the government of compromising party loyalty in favour of technical expertise.
Protesters at the GRA headquarters argued that appointing someone they perceive as politically aligned with the opposition could jeopardise the NDC’s economic goals. “We cannot allow this. How can someone who has worked closely with the opposition now oversee our revenue? This decision must be rescinded,” a protest leader told reporters.
The demonstration escalated into a blockade, preventing Mr. Sarpong and other senior officials from entering the premises. Security personnel were deployed to ensure order, but tensions remained high as protesters vowed to continue until their demands were met.
The controversy underscores the challenges President Mahama faces in balancing technical competence with political loyalty in key appointments, particularly during a period of heightened economic strain.
While the government has not yet responded to the protesters’ calls for the appointment to be reversed, the incident highlights internal divisions within the NDC regarding governance priorities.
Mr. Sarpong, widely regarded as a competent and experienced professional, is tasked with navigating Ghana’s pressing fiscal challenges. However, his ability to execute this mandate effectively may depend on overcoming the resistance from factions within the ruling party.
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