Chairman of the Public Accounts Committeet (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi has issued a stern warning to the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Ammishadai Owusu-Amoah, cautioning him that he will be personally held liable for working without the renewal of his contract.

The warning comes in the wake of a public revelation made by Rev. Ammishadai during a parliamentary session, where he disclosed that his two-year contract had expired without renewal. This disclosure followed a tense exchange between the GRA boss and Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel Nartey George, who had queried Rev. Ammishadai about his age.

In response to the questioning, Rev. Ammishadai hesitated to provide a straight answer, prompting further scrutiny from committee members. Eventually, he admitted that his contract, granted after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, had lapsed without renewal.

Chairman James Klutse Avedzi, in an interview with EIB Network‘s Parliamentary Correspondent Ibrahim Alhassan, emphasized that Rev. Ammishadai would be held accountable if he continued to occupy his position without a valid contract. Avedzi justified his decision to allow the public interest question, asserting that transparency regarding the status of public officers is paramount.

Furthermore, Avedzi clarified that while individuals above retirement age can be engaged for up to five years, the failure to renew Rev. Ammishadai's contract raises legal concerns. He questioned why the Commissioner General had not been offered another contract after the expiration of his initial two-year term.

Despite acknowledging that the GRA boss may not be responsible for the contract renewal process, Avedzi stressed that working without a valid contract constitutes a violation of the law. He underscored that the responsibility for contract renewal lies with the appointing authority, and failure to adhere to legal protocols could result in personal liability for Rev. Ammishadai.

The warning from the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee highlights the importance of adherence to legal procedures and transparency in public office appointments. It serves as a reminder to public officers of their obligations under the law and the consequences of operating without valid contracts.