Anthony Sarpong, a known NPP Activist  Appointed by this NDC Government?

Anthony Sarpong’s appointment as Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is a blatant move by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to install a loyal operative in a critical state institution. Sarpong, through his role at KPMG, played a direct and central role in managing E.S.L.A. PLC is a flagship financial scheme under the NPP. The ESLA bonds, which were riddled with allegations of mismanagement and lack of accountability, have left a trail of unanswered questions, and Sarpong’s involvement places him at the heart of this contentious financial arrangement.

Sarpong’s ties to the NPP are undeniable. His close association with Gabby Otchere-Darko, a key figure in the NPP’s inner circle, and Gabby’s wife only further exposes his partisan alignment. Gabby has been instrumental in pushing NPP policies and influencing high-level financial and legal decisions, and Sarpong’s proximity to him raises serious red flags. This appointment is not coincidental—it is a calculated attempt by the NPP to embed their loyalists in positions of power to protect their interests, particularly in shielding the controversial management of ESLA funds from scrutiny.

By placing Sarpong at the helm of the GRA, the NPP ensures that a trusted ally oversees revenue collection and taxation, areas crucial for safeguarding the party’s financial dealings and legacy. This move is a direct affront to the independence of the GRA, as Sarpong’s past actions and affiliations make it clear he is more of a partisan agent than a neutral public servant.

This is not a neutral or merit-based appointment. It is a deliberate and aggressive strategy by the NPP to manipulate the system, preserve their interests, and potentially obstruct any efforts to hold them accountable for the mismanagement of state resources, including ESLA funds. Anthony Sarpong’s leadership at the GRA is a clear signal that the NPP is passing through the backdoor to get Mahama to appoint her agents in order to ensure its prioritizing self-preservation over transparency and institutional integrity.

Anthony Sarpong’s appointment as Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is a calculated move by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to install a loyalist in a pivotal state institution. Sarpong’s tenure as Senior Partner at KPMG Ghana saw him intimately involved with E.S.L.A. PLC, the entity responsible for managing the contentious ESLA bonds—a hallmark initiative of the NPP administration. These bonds have been mired in allegations of mismanagement and opacity, with Sarpong at the operational helm.

Further cementing his NPP affiliations, Sarpong maintains close relationships with influential party figures, notably Gabby Otchere-Darko and his wife. Otchere-Darko, a central figure within the NPP, has been instrumental in shaping party policies and decisions. Sarpong’s proximity to such a key player underscores his deep-rooted connections within the party’s elite circles.

Moreover, Sarpong’s inclusion in the council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure further illustrates his alignment with the NPP. Given President Akufo-Addo’s track record of appointing individuals aligned with his party, Sarpong’s selection is a testament to his political leanings.

This strategic placement of Sarpong at the GRA’s helm is a transparent attempt by the NPP through some elements within the NDC to safeguard its interests, particularly concerning the ESLA bonds. By positioning a trusted affiliate of the NPP in such a critical role, the NPP party aims to shield itself from potential investigations and maintain control over narratives surrounding its financial undertakings. Sarpong’s deep-seated ties to the NPP, coupled with his professional history, unequivocally mark him as an agent installed to perpetuate the NPP party’s agenda within the GRA.

By Sheikh Alfantse Snr