During a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, January 29, 2024, the Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, publicly acknowledged that he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years old and had been working without a contract for the previous two years.
He is now beginning his third post-retirement year without a formal agreement.
The revelation came to light when the Minority in Parliament voiced concerns regarding Rev. Owusu-Amoah’s retirement. Sam George, a member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, questioned the GRA boss regarding his employment status, highlighting the fact that he was two years past the mandatory retirement age.
The investigation sparked objections from a few majority committee members, which led to a brief halt of the proceedings.
Rev. Ammishaddai clarified upon the restart, saying, “I turned 62 in October 2023.” Concerned about the status of his contract, he clarified, “As far as I know, a letter was sent to the board for me to continue working until it is sorted out with the Ministry of Finance and the appointing authority.”
Sam George raised concerns about the GRA Commissioner‘s extended stay after the meeting, saying it was unconstitutional. He pleaded with the President to handle the matter in line with the constitution.
Sam George threatened to bring up the issue on the floor of Parliament when the legislature reconvenes after its break if it is not resolved.
The matter calls into question the compliance with retirement rules and the lack of a formal employment contract for a crucial government position.
The public is awaiting more information and a resolution to this issue, which could have an effect on the Ghana Revenue Authority’s accountability and governance.
Meanwhile, drama started when Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s deputy, Abena Asare, insisted that the question was personal and that Dr. Owusu-Amoah could not respond.
But the Chairman, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, decided that the Commissioner had to respond to the inquiry because he works for the government.
At this point, there was a microphone malfunction that required a 45-minute break in the action.
