The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed assertions by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who alleged that the Commissioner-General absconded following President Nana Akufo-Addo’s call for an investigation into the GRA and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.
Ablakwa, on January 10, claimed on his Facebook page that GRA’s Commissioner-General, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, fled the country with his nuclear family within twenty-four hours of the president’s directive.
However, the GRA, in a statement on January 11, clarified that the Commissioner-General is on an approved leave, scheduled to return on January 15.
The GRA’’ management emphatically stated that Owusu-Amoah has not absconded and is currently on a pre-approved six-day leave, diligently addressing audit-related engagements during his absence.
The statement counters Ablakwa’s narrative, providing clarity on the Commissioner-General’s planned leave and return date.
On January 2, President Akufo-Addo ordered the immediate suspension of the revenue assurance contract between GRA and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML). KPMG, an audit, tax, and advisory services firm, was appointed to conduct an immediate audit of the transaction.
In response to Ablakwa’s allegations, the GRA characterized them as a misrepresentation of facts and malicious.
The statement demanded an apology and immediate retraction from Ablakwa and ghextractives.com, asserting that the publication aimed to damage the reputation of Commissioner-General Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and the GRA as a whole.
