Drama at PAC hearing over GRA Boss’ age
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting was thrown into chaos when a seemingly simple question caused disagreement among members. During the discussion of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), legislator Sam George asked for the year in which the Commissioner-General attained the age of 60. Another member argued that it was a personal question, sparking confusion.
Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, claimed that the question was personal and should not be asked. However, Committee Chairman James Klutse Avedzi disagreed and clarified that as a public official, the Commissioner-General should disclose such information.
Sam George’s question was based on the government’s policy of not extending contracts for individuals above the age of 60, unless their expertise was scarce. This led to a heated debate, with the Chairman intervening multiple times to get a clear answer from the Commissioner-General.
After several minutes of tension, the GRA boss attempted to have the Deputy Finance Minister speak on his behalf, but the Chairman rejected this. Finally, after a break in the meeting due to technical difficulties, the Commissioner-General revealed that he turned 62 in October 2023 and stated that there was a letter sent to the board regarding his contract.
Sam George expressed his concerns about the unconstitutional extension of the Commissioner-General’s contract and threatened to raise the issue in Parliament if the President did not address the matter.
In a previous case, a political scientist criticized the unfair and illegitimate contract extensions for key officers at GRA, including the Commissioner-General. These actions are causing tension and hindering the proper functioning of the revenue mobilization department.
It is reported that the government implemented a policy to suspend post-retirement contracts for individuals working in agencies where labor and expertise are not scarce. However, the Commissioner-General and other officials reportedly received contract extensions even after reaching the retirement age of 60.
Overall, the confusion and disagreements during the Public Accounts Committee meeting highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the extension of the Commissioner-General’s contract and the need for clarity and adherence to policies.
