The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, faces potential legal consequences for his continued tenure without a contract extension from the Ministry of Finance, according to Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor.
Rev Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, who is legally required to have a contract authorizing his continued service as GRA boss due to being over 60 years old, has reportedly remained in office for about two years without such authorization.
Expressing his concerns, Mr Dafeamekpor highlighted the necessity for Rev Owusu-Amoah to have a valid contract supporting his position, emphasizing that failure to do so could lead to legal action.
In an interview with Okay FM, Mr Dafeamekpor criticized what he perceived as “collusion and cronyism” within the system, questioning why Rev Owusu-Amoah had not taken steps to rectify his contractual status.
Mr Dafeamekpor stressed that operating without a valid contract while receiving a salary constitutes a violation, a matter that has reportedly been flagged numerous times by the Auditor General.
During a recent session of the Public Accounts Committee, Rev Owusu-Amoah confirmed his age and disclosed that he had been requested by the Finance Minister to continue his tenure with a written contract.
Mr. Dafeamekpor argued that the government, specifically the Finance Ministry and the Presidency, should have promptly taken steps to regularize Rev Owusu-Amoah's status following the Public Accounts Committee hearing. However, no such action has been taken to date.
The situation highlights broader concerns regarding adherence to legal procedures and accountability within Ghana's public institutions. Mr. Dafeamekpor's warning of legal action signals a potential escalation of the issue if corrective measures are not implemented promptly.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders await further developments, including potential responses from relevant authorities and any subsequent legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Dafeamekpor or other concerned parties.