Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has admitted to working without a contract for the past two years despite legally passing the retirement age.
The Commissioner admitted to working beyond the retirement age when he faced intense questioning from Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram at the Public Accounts Committee.
The inquiry, led by George, centered around the Commissioner’s continued tenure beyond the statutory retirement age.
It was revealed during the proceedings that Dr. Owusu-Amoah, who is 62, has been working without a contract.
Samuel George, probing into the matter, referenced a previous statement by the Finance Minister and asked, “What about the President’s commitment not to extend the stay of any public servant beyond retirement age?” This question underscored concerns about the legality of the Commissioner’s ongoing service.
Responding to the queries, Dr. Owusu-Amoah admitted, “I turned 62 in October 2023.” He further explained that he has been working without a contract for the past two years, now entering his third year after the retirement age.
The admission sparked concerns from the Minority in Parliament who stressed the unusual extension of the Commissioner’s employment beyond 60.
The session was marked by a tense atmosphere, with Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare and other NPP MPs on the committee labelling the questions as ‘personal.’
However, the Chairman of the PAC, James Klutse Avedzi, insisted on transparency and overruled these objections, directing the Commissioner to respond to the questions.
Dr. Owusu-Amoah clarified his situation, stating, “Regarding my contract status, a letter was sent to the board for me to continue working until it is resolved with the Ministry of Finance and the appointing authority.”