Joseph Bediako, the Convener of the Movement for Truth and Accountability, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong. Bediako has formally accused the GRA boss of causing financial loss to the state through alleged administrative misconduct.
During an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Bediako emphasised the necessity of a thorough probe into the Commissioner-General’s conduct. He described the underlying cases as “disgusting” and maintained that the GRA leadership must be held accountable for what he characterised as a significant breach of the law.
When pressed for specific details regarding the allegations, Bediako pointed toward systemic issues within the energy sector, citing alleged collusion between Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
He suggested that these entities are involved in “stealing” within the oil sector, which has directly contributed to the state’s financial losses.
Despite the gravity of his claims, Bediako remained guarded about the specific evidence submitted to CHRAJ, explaining that the matter is currently under active investigation.
He noted that in the current political climate, one must be cautious when making public remarks to avoid legal or personal traps.
“He has caused financial loss to the state. This is a subject under investigation, and so I do not want to discuss it. Ghana has turned into a corrupt state, and so when making remarks, you have to be cautious. When you read how the OMCs and the NPA are colluding and stealing in the oil sector, you will be surprised. Some people want to trap me and disgrace me, and so I don’t want to entertain them.”
The interview took a sharp turn when the host questioned whether the petition was motivated by a personal fallout with the leadership at CHRAJ. Bediako visibly took offence at the suggestion, vehemently disputing any personal vendetta.
Clearly agitated by the line of questioning, Bediako dismissed the inquiry as “reckless and foolish”, asserting his maturity and professional distance from the GRA boss. He clarified that he has no personal affiliation or friendship with Anthony Kwasi Sarpong and warned against further provocations.
He concluded by confirming that the case before CHRAJ is ongoing and urged the public to wait for the official outcome of the proceedings.
This petition comes at a critical time for the Ghana Revenue Authority. Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, a former Senior Partner at KPMG, was appointed to the role in early 2025 following the resignation of Julie Essiam.
Since taking office, he has set ambitious revenue targets—aiming to collect over GH¢230 billion for the 2026 fiscal year—while focusing on digitalisation and blocking revenue leakages.
However, the oil and petroleum sector has remained a point of contention for activists.
Similar allegations have surfaced in the past involving the Movement for Truth and Accountability; notably, in 2019, Bediako faced a GH¢10 million defamation suit from a former GRA Commissioner-General following similar public accusations.
This history suggests a long-standing friction between Bediako’s transparency group and the leadership of Ghana’s tax authority.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana