Sam George, the MP for Ningo-Prapram and a member of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, has expressed doubts about Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, continuing in his position.
On January 29, at the Public Accounts Committee meeting, he brought up the matter.
Sam George’s inquiry was prompted by the information that Dr. Owusu-Amoah, 62, is currently employed without a contract.
In a Public Interest Question, the MP for Ningo-Prampram reminded the Committee of the Finance Minister’s statement to Parliament, which stated that President Akuffo-Addo has decided not to prolong the stay of any public servant who reaches retirement age. As a result, it is necessary to determine whether or not the Commissioner-General of the GRA is employed by contract.
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.
How old is the GRA Boss?
Confusion rocks Public Accounts Committee as Hon. Sam George asks of the age of Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah.#PublicAccounts pic.twitter.com/olD4modWWi
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) January 29, 2024
Relatedly, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the member of parliament representing North Tongu, refused to offer an apology to Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), for accusing him of leaving the nation while a contract he oversaw was being investigated.
In a social media post, Okudzeto Ablakwa claimed that despite the GRA and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract being audited continuously, President Akufo-Addo had helped the GRA chief escape the nation.
Ablakwa asked the president to give a reason for the boss’s absence.
However, GRA, in a statement, debunked the comment, saying its boss has not absconded but is on leave.
Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s leave was approved nearly a month ago, and according to GRA’s statement, he is anticipated to return to work on January 15.
GRA called Ablakwa’s remark a malicious misrepresentation of the truth and demanded an apology.
