Nana Ntow Yirenkyi, the Twafohene of Denkyira Kyekyewere, has expressed firm support for Anthony Sarpong, the newly appointed acting commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in the face of growing opposition from certain factions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Nana Yirenkyi declared that the traditional authorities would resist any attempts to remove Sarpong from his position.
He emphasised that the chiefs, including himself, strongly back Sarpong, and they would not tolerate any intimidation or disruptive actions aimed at undermining his appointment.
“He has served in the NDC in the Central region. The NDC bigwigs know him, as does President Mahama. We will also mess up and face them in the coming days if they do not stop misbehaving because it is not nice,” Nana Yirenkyi warned.
The comments come in the wake of a protest by a group of discontented youth, allegedly associated with the NDC, who stormed the GRA headquarters in Accra on Monday, January 26, 2025, to oppose Sarpong’s appointment.
Sarpong, an experienced accountant and auditor with a notable career at KPMG, was appointed acting commissioner of the GRA on January 21, 2025. Despite his extensive qualifications, some NDC members have raised concerns about his political affiliations and questioned his suitability for the position.
However, Nana Yirenkyi strongly condemned the actions of the youth, stating that not all NDC supporters should be in leadership positions.
He highlighted his own background as an NDC communications officer in the Upper Denkyira East constituency, underscoring the need for capable and experienced technocrats in key positions.
He defended Sarpong’s appointment, noting that it is not necessary for someone to be a prominent NDC figure, such as Sammy Gyamfi or Eric Adjei, to be appointed to high-ranking positions.
According to Nana Yirenkyi, roles like the one at the GRA require skilled professionals who have demonstrated expertise, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Did we ever see the former GRA bosses, Amishaddai and Julie Essiam, on any stage campaigning for NPP? So the GRA work is meant for technocrats and not just anybody.
He has risen through the ranks and is now a senior partner at KPMG. He is on the level of Bright Simons, Eric Nipah, and Franklin Cudjoe, so it is not every job that requires a die-hard NDC member,” he argued.
Nana Yirenkyi called on the youth to exercise restraint and allow President John Mahama to carry out his duties without unnecessary interference.
He urged the NDC to focus on supporting the country’s development rather than engaging in disruptive actions that could harm the party and its leadership.
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