GRA: President dissolves board and replaces Commissioner-General

President Nana Akufo-Addo triggered a major leadership shakeup in the Ghana Revenue Authority on Wednesday, dissolving its board and removing the Commissioner-General, Rev. Dr. Amisshaddai Owusu-Amoah.

Although it is unclear the reasons for the leadership changes, the GRA has been in the news lately following a comment made by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia urging them to change their harassing manner of collecting revenues.

The statement by the Vice President generated intense debate, with some bashing him for criticising an institution he ought to supervise and others commending him for coming out boldly.

Members of the GRA board include prominent entrepreneur Tony Oteng Gyasi, who, according to reports, tendered his resignation as chairman moments before the dissolution of the board.

Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah was also relieved of his duties, although reasons have not been provided.

The Commission General, who, until his departure, had been heavily criticised for overstaying his tenure as Commissioner-General, has been at the centre of controversy in the matter of the authority deal with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), whose case is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, the President has announced Ms. Julie Essiam as the new Commissioner-General of the GRA.

Ms. Essiam, until her new role, was the Commissioner in charge of Support Services at the GRA.

She had also worked for reputable local and international corporations, notably renowned Pan-African Bank, Ecobank, as a Group Executive for many years.