CHRAJ Suspends Former GRA Commissioner-General Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah from Public Service for 5 Years: Procurement Scandal Explained

Learn how the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) ruled against the former head of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a high-profile case involving vehicle procurement irregularities. This guide breaks down the facts, process, and broader lessons for public accountability in Ghana.

Introduction

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana’s independent anti-corruption and administrative oversight body, has issued a significant ruling: a five-year ban from public service for Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Dated October 29, 2025, this CHRAJ suspension stems from an investigation into allegations of corruption, fraud, and breaches of public procurement procedures during his tenure.

This case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce transparency in Ghana’s public sector procurement, particularly within the GRA, which collects vital national revenue. For those searching for details on CHRAJ suspends former GRA Commissioner-General, this article provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the complaint, investigation, defenses, and decision, drawing directly from verified reports.

Background on Key Institutions

CHRAJ operates under Article 218 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, investigating maladministration, corruption, and human rights issues. The GRA, established by Act 791 in 2009, manages tax collection and customs. Public procurement in Ghana is governed by the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), amended in 2016, emphasizing competitive bidding, value for money, and accountability.

Analysis

The CHRAJ investigation dissected a complaint filed on August 16, 2022, by the Movement for Truth and Accountability (MFTA), a civil society organization focused on governance transparency. The core issue revolved around GRA contracts for vehicles and logistics awarded to three companies: Ronor Motors Ghana Ltd, Telinno Ghana Ltd, and Sajel Motors and Trading Company Ltd.

Core Allegations Examined

MFTA alleged three main violations:

• Inflated Prices: Vehicles from Ronor Motors Ghana Ltd were procured at prices deemed excessive, especially given bulk purchase discounts and standard specifications.
• Non-Existent Offices and Capacity Issues: Telinno Ghana Ltd and Sajel Motors and Trading Co. Ltd could not be located at listed addresses, raising fraud concerns. These firms allegedly lacked execution capacity, leading to partial contract cancellations by GRA in June 2022.
• Tax Non-Compliance: The companies failed to remit statutory taxes, including NHIL levy/GETFund, COVID levy, and VAT, totaling hundreds of thousands of Ghana Cedis, despite GRA’s oversight role.

CHRAJ’s probe verified these claims through document reviews, site visits, and stakeholder interviews, finding sufficient evidence of procedural lapses attributable to Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s leadership.

Respondent’s Defense Breakdown

Dr. Owusu-Amoah denied all charges, arguing the procurement used single-source methods under Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act due to urgent needs for national programs like CAP-Buss (a digital archiving initiative) and Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme (a post-COVID economic recovery effort). He cited Public Procurement Authority (PPA) approval in September 2021 following value-for-money and due diligence audits.

Delays in contract fulfillment were blamed on global supply chain disruptions from COVID-19, affecting Japanese manufacturers. GRA eventually canceled unperformed portions in June 2022 and sourced alternatives from CFAO Ghana Ltd.

Despite these arguments, CHRAJ ruled the procurement deviated from legal standards, imposing the suspension as a sanction under its administrative justice mandate.

Summary

In summary, CHRAJ’s October 29, 2025, decision bars Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah from public office for five years following proven breaches in GRA’s vehicle procurement process. Triggered by MFTA’s 2022 complaint, the case exposed inflated costs, questionable company credentials, and tax evasions. While defenses highlighted urgency and external factors, CHRAJ prioritized regulatory compliance. This ruling underscores CHRAJ’s role in curbing GRA procurement scandals and promoting fiscal responsibility.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For public officials, procurement officers, and civil society in Ghana, this case offers actionable lessons on navigating the Public Procurement Act.

Best Practices for Compliant Procurement

Opt for Competitive Bidding: Reserve single-source for true emergencies, documenting urgency with evidence like program timelines for CAP-Buss or Ghana CARES.

Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Verify supplier addresses, capacities, and tax compliance via Registrar General’s Department and Ghana Revenue Authority records before awarding contracts.

Ensure Value for Money: Obtain multiple quotes, benchmark prices, and secure PPA no-objection certificates. In bulk vehicle purchases, negotiate discounts explicitly.

Report and Monitor: Civil society groups like MFTA can file CHRAJ complaints with evidence; officials should maintain audit trails for all decisions.

Implementing these steps minimizes risks in high-stakes procurements, fostering trust in institutions like GRA.

Points of Caution

Navigating public procurement requires vigilance to avoid pitfalls seen in this GRA case.

• Avoid Urgency Excuses: Claims of national duty urgency must align strictly with Act 663; unsubstantiated single-sourcing invites scrutiny.
• Supplier Vetting Risks: Untraceable offices signal potential shell companies—always cross-check with official registries.
• Tax Oversight Irony: GRA’s failure to enforce taxes on contractors highlights internal control gaps; leaders face personal liability.
• Global Disruptions: COVID-like events justify extensions only with PPA approval and supplier proofs.

Officials should consult legal experts early to preempt CHRAJ investigations.

Comparison

This CHRAJ suspension parallels other Ghanaian public procurement enforcement actions, emphasizing consistent application of standards.

Vs. Similar GRA and Public Cases

Unlike routine audits, this mirrors the 2021 PPA sanctions on district assemblies for irregular road contracts, where inflated costs led to blacklisting. In GRA’s context, it echoes a 2019 CHRAJ probe into customs equipment procurement, resulting in officer reprimands but no bans—highlighting escalated penalties for commissioner-level breaches.

Compared to private sector deals, public cases demand higher transparency under Act 663, with CHRAJ wielding broader investigative powers than PPA’s advisory role. This five-year bar exceeds typical warnings, reflecting fraud elements.

Legal Implications

This ruling carries direct legal weight under Ghanaian law, applicable to public servants nationwide.

CHRAJ’s Powers and Sanctions

Pursuant to CHRAJ Act, 1993 (Act 456), the commission can recommend suspensions, dismissals, or referrals to prosecutors for criminal charges. Here, the administrative sanction bars Dr. Owusu-Amoah from public roles without court conviction, but opens doors for civil recovery of losses.

Public Procurement Act Violations

Breaches of Sections 21 (methods), 40 (single-source), and 44 (due diligence) expose individuals to personal liability under Section 92, including fines up to 500 penalty units or imprisonment. Tax non-compliance invokes Internal Revenue Act penalties.

MFTA’s success demonstrates civil society’s standing to trigger probes, potentially inspiring more filings on public procurement breaches Ghana.

Conclusion

The CHRAJ suspension of former GRA Commissioner-General Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah for five years marks a pivotal enforcement of accountability in Ghana’s revenue authority. By addressing inflated prices, dubious suppliers, and tax lapses in vehicle procurement, CHRAJ reinforces the Public Procurement Act’s safeguards. This case educates on the perils of procedural shortcuts, urging stricter due diligence amid urgent national needs. As Ghana advances fiscal governance, such rulings deter corruption, ensuring taxpayer funds deliver value. Stay informed on evolving CHRAJ decisions for public service integrity.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “CHRAJ suspends former GRA Commissioner-General from public service for five years” (Published November 5, 2025).
• CHRAJ Official Decision Document (Dated October 29, 2025), referenced in original report.
• Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended.
• Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791).
• 1992 Constitution of Ghana, Article 218 (CHRAJ establishment).

All facts verified from primary reporting; full CHRAJ document available via official channels for transparency.