NDC thugs opposed to new Commissioner General invade GRA

Tensions flared at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) headquarters as a group of individuals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) staged a protest against the appointment of Anthony Kwasi Sarpong as Acting Commissioner-General.
The protesters, dissatisfied with President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoint Mr. Sarpong, gathered at the GRA premises as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson introduced the new appointee to GRA management in preparation for the official handover.
The group, which had earlier issued a statement rejecting Mr. Sarpong’s appointment, mobilized upon learning of the scheduled introduction.
The timely intervention of Customs officers of GRA prevented the thugs from invading the offices of the revenue agency

Allegations of Party Loyalty Breach
In their statement, the group expressed disappointment with the decision, urging President Mahama to reconsider.
While praising the President’s efforts in assembling a capable public service team over the past two weeks, they emphasized concerns over the exclusion of qualified and loyal NDC members in favor of individuals allegedly linked to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The group specifically pointed to Mr. Sarpong’s association with the NPP, citing his appointment to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in September 2020.
They argued that such a history rendered him unsuitable for the role of Acting Commissioner-General.

Calls for reconsideration and threats of further action
The group demanded the immediate withdrawal of Mr. Sarpong’s appointment and warned of potential protests if their concerns were not addressed.
They emphasized that NDC members’ efforts in securing the party’s 2024 electoral victory must be acknowledged by prioritizing loyalists for critical government positions.
“Mr. President, respectfully, please do the needful. There are other people more deserving of this position than this NPP-stained person,” the statement concluded.

Political implications and broader concerns
The protest at the GRA headquarters marks the latest instance of intra-party tension since the NDC’s victory in the 2024 elections.
While President Mahama’s administration has been commended for assembling a competent team, the controversy highlights the delicate balance of managing party expectations and ensuring merit-based appointments.
The situation raises questions about the broader implications of political appointments in Ghana, where loyalty and competence are often contested in the public arena.
As the dust settles, the government’s handling of such grievances will likely shape the tone of internal party relations moving forward.