BudgIT Ghana, a fiscal transparency and accountability group, has raised concerns regarding the post-retirement situation of the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Reverend Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah. This situation has sparked controversy due to Rv. Owusu-Amoah’s continued service beyond the mandatory retirement age without a formal contract.
Reverend Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah has been in office for over two years without a written contract, which has led to public scrutiny. This revelation came to light during a Public Accounts Committee sitting on January 29, 2024, when Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, questioned Rev. Owusu-Amoah about his employment status. Reverend Owusu-Amoah confirmed that he has surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60 years and has been working without a contract, entering his third post-retirement year without a formal agreement.
“It is unacceptable for a public official to continue in a critical role without a valid contract, especially when they are well past the retirement age stipulated by the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327.”
BudgIT Ghana
BudgIT Ghana’s statement acknowledges the efforts made by the Committee Chairman, Hon. James Avedzi Klutse, to clarify the situation regarding the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Reverend Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, during a sitting.
However, the organization expressed concern over the lack of a satisfactory resolution to the issue and the subsequent adjournment of the proceedings due to technical difficulties. This situation has further heightened BudgIT Ghana’s concerns about transparency and accountability within the GRA.
The transparency group highlighted the revelation that Reverend Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has been serving without a written contract for over two years, and urgent action is necessary. This situation not only raises concerns about the adherence to retirement regulations but also undermines transparency and accountability within the GRA.
“President Akufo-Addo’s recent announcement of a ministerial reshuffle on February 14 has raised concerns about the government’s priorities. While citizens expected the government to address the GRA Commissioner’s unresolved status, the President has instead focused on reshuffling ministers.”
BudgIT Ghana
BudgIT Ghana called upon the President to promptly address this matter and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance and rectify any potential legal and ethical implications. A thorough review of Owusu-Amoah’s employment status must be conducted, including an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his continued service beyond the mandatory retirement age without a formal agreement.
The group indicated that the government’s failure to resolve critical issues within institutions like the GRA, including the post-retirement employment of public officials without contracts, further erodes confidence in its ability to ensure transparency and accountability. This erosion of trust can undermine the government’s credibility and its ability to address the country’s economic challenges effectively. It also raises questions about the integrity of public service management and the broader governance framework in Ghana.
Furthermore, the group urged authorities to implement robust mechanisms to prevent such situations from recurring in the future. This should include clear guidelines on retirement policies for public officials, strict adherence to contractual agreements, and regular audits to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions.
BudgIT Ghana stressed that it is in the best interest of the GRA, its employees, and the general public to address this issue promptly and transparently. They charged the government to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, and to take decisive action to restore public confidence in the integrity of Ghana’s institutions.
BudgIT Ghana’s concerns reflect a broader call for greater transparency and accountability in public sector operations, including the clarification of employment contracts and adherence to retirement age regulations. The organization likely emphasizes the importance of these issues not only for the individuals involved but also for the public at large, as they relate to the proper functioning of public institutions and the protection of public resources.
READ ALSO: Nana Akufo-Addo Reports on Enhancing Access to Justice and the Judicial Process
