By Issah Olegor
President John Dramani Mahama’s latest wave of public sector appointments has intensified accusations of political patronage, as concerns mount over what critics describe as a growing trend of rewarding party loyalists with top government positions.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has become the latest focus of this criticism, following the appointment of five new Technical Advisors, sparking allegations of political favoritism and bloated bureaucracy.
The controversy gained traction after social media reports claimed that a certain Elsie Appau-Klu had been named a Deputy Commissioner of the GRA. The news fueled outrage among civil servants and the general public, with many questioning the legitimacy and necessity of her appointment.
However, the GRA has since issued an official clarification to dispel the rumors.
In a circular dated May 21, 2025, and signed by Acting Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the GRA stated unequivocally that Appau-Klu is not a Deputy Commissioner but has been appointed as a Technical Advisor with no definitive role.
“The Management of the Authority wishes to correct the misinformation and emphasize that Mrs. Appau-Klu serves in a technical advisory capacity, not in an executive role,” the notice read.
She is among five individuals recently brought on as Technical Advisors to the GRA, a list that includes former Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Samson Tangombu Chiragia, Lucy Yamson, believed to be the daughter of NDC kingpin, Ismael Yamson, Kenneth Agyei-Duah from KPMG where the Commissioner Generaal, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong was plugged from and Ebenezer Ayivor.
Ishmael Yamson’s son is said to be Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund taking the job from Hannah Bissiw, NDC women’sorganiser.
According to the GRA, these appointments were approved by its Governing Board as part of efforts to enhance operational strategy and provide high-level input on fiscal matters.
However, the explanation has done little to quell the criticism.
Many see this as part of a broader pattern under Mahama’s administration, where technical roles and deputy positions are increasingly used to absorb allies and supporters of the ruling party.
Some agencies are now reported to have two deputy chief executives, with others adding new layers of technical advisors and board appointees, raising questions about efficiency and the cost to taxpayers in an austere government.
This trend comes on the back of Mahama’s ministerial appointments, which have also drawn scrutiny.
The President previously committed to capping his ministerial team at 60 appointments.
As of now, 56 individuals have been confirmed, with the remaining four expected to be nominated in the coming days as Parliament resumes its sessions.
Sources within the presidency indicate that the final list will be submitted for approval possibly this week.
However, opposition parties and governance watchdogs are warning that the wave of appointments could strain the public purse and erode public confidence in the administration’s commitment to merit-based governance.
