- Monday’s Public Accounts Committee meeting took an unexpected turn when a seemingly simple question caused confusion and disagreement. The question was directed at the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, regarding the year he turned 60. Ningo-Prampram legislator, Sam George, posed the question based on the government’s decision not to extend the contracts of individuals above the age of 60, unless their expertise was scarce. However, another committee member argued that the question was personal and should not be asked. This led to a 10-minute debate over whether the question was appropriate.
Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, defended the Commissioner-General, stating that his age was a personal matter. However, Committee Chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, disagreed and emphasized that as a public official, the Commissioner-General should provide the information. He clarified that the law allows individuals above the age of 60 to be given contracts, and if the Commissioner-General was on a contract, he should disclose it. After several minutes of tension, the GRA boss finally answered the question, stating that he turned 62 in October 2023.
The issue of contract extensions for key officers at the GRA has been a source of controversy. Political scientist Prof Ransford Gyampo criticized the unfair and illegitimate extensions, citing the case of the Commissioner-General, whose post-retirement contract ended in 2021 but continued to serve without an official contract. This situation has raised concerns about the proper functioning of the revenue mobilization agency.
Sam George expressed his dissatisfaction with the Commissioner-General’s continued stay and called on the President to address the issue in accordance with the constitution. He threatened to raise the matter in Parliament if necessary. The policy of suspending post-retirement contracts for individuals in state agencies where expertise is not scarce has been implemented, resulting in some requests being turned down. However, there have been exceptions, with the Commissioner-General receiving a one-year contract extension upon reaching the age of 60.
These developments have caused tension and anger among board members of the GRA, as some seek further contract extensions for the Commissioner-General without consulting the rest of the board. This situation could have negative implications for revenue generation and college students.
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