TIG Post

Tag: SML

  • A-G’s bid to extradite Ofori-Atta will be tough – Legal practitioner

    A-G’s bid to extradite Ofori-Atta will be tough – Legal practitioner


    The Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine, would have a difficult time in getting former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta back in Ghana to face corruption charges, private legal practitioner Austin Brako-Powers has noted. 

    Speaking to the media, he explained that the Attorney-General has made public statements that appear biased or unfair, and that has turned the issue into a political matter. Because of this politicisation, he believes Ghana’s case will look weaker and less credible when it is considered by authorities in the United States.

    He added, “I am saying that the Attorney-General will not be successful in extraditing Ken Ofori-Atta to this country. Based on the public commentaries of the Attorney-General and the Special Prosecutor [Kissi Agyebeng], they will not—mark it—be able to extradite Ken Ofori-Atta.”

    “This is a high-profile extradition case involving a former finance minister, a central figure in the previous administration. It will attract significant attention, and key questions around motive, fairness, and political neutrality will arise.

    “Added to that are the prejudicial public statements by the Attorney-General and the Special Prosecutor [Kissi Agyebeng], which risk undermining Ghana’s credibility as a requesting state”.

    His comments are a reaction to a recent announcement by the A-G, disclosing that the office had concluded all the necessary processes in ensuring that the former minister is extradited from the United States (U.S.). On Thursday, December 18, the A-G indicated that the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and an alleged accomplice, Ernest Darko Kore, from the United States has formally been submitted by the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    Speaking at the government’s Accountability Series held on Thursday, December 18, Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, said the duo’s extradition processes were initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on November 19.

    He added that the Attorney General’s Department initially examined the documents related to the case; however, the International Cooperation Unit found that some parts of the paperwork were incomplete.

    Dr. Ayine added, “As a result, we communicated our observations to the Office of the Special Prosecutor in a letter dated November 25 and requested additional documentation to ensure completeness.”

    He noted that, in response, the OSP finalised the extradition request package on December 9 by providing supplementary documents and addressing the issues raised by the International Cooperation Unit.

    Dr. Ayine added that the completed extradition request was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10 for onward transmission to the appropriate authorities in the United States, specifically the Department of Justice, to conclude the process.

    Adding, “At this point, it is left to the authorities of the United States, particularly the judicial authorities, to determine whether there is sufficient basis for the two accused persons to be extradited to Ghana to stand trial.”

    Ofori-Atta continues to be a central figure in a legal battle, despite his current health condition. Ofori-Atta appeared on Interpol’s website for “using public office for profit” after being declared wanted by the OSP.

    This followed his failure to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2. His lawyers are said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.

    The OSP, during an engagement with the press on Tuesday, June 3, noted the failure of the former minister to inform the OSP of changes in medical procedures that were to have happened in March of this year.

    “He has failed to show any medical report that shows he is a medical risk. We want him physically, and we insist on it,” the OSP said, while noting that Mr. Ofori-Atta cannot indicate the mode of investigation. “His conduct is totally unacceptable. We will no longer tolerate him,” the OSP noted.

    Later, the legal representatives of the former finance minister informed the OSP that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honour an invitation for questioning.

    Ofori-Atta then assured the OSP of his commitment to appearing for questioning on a fixed date, w]hich influenced the OSP’s decision to temporarily take his name off the list in March.

    However, the office stressed that he is legally obligated to show up on June 2. Failure to do so would result in an Interpol Red Notice being issued and extradition proceedings being initiated in any country where he may be located.

    Ken Ofori-Atta then took legal steps to block the OSP from re-declaring him wanted. His lawsuit argues that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.

    Ofori-Atta has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and corruption, insisting that he has been cooperating with investigators through his legal representatives.

    In his court filing, he contends that the OSP’s actions have inflicted serious harm on his reputation and personal life. He is seeking a legal injunction to prevent further declarations against him until the case is fully resolved.

    The Human Rights Court adjourned to June 18 for a ruling on the motion filed by the former Finance Minister, seeking to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs. In February, the OSP declared Ofori-Atta wanted for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings.

    These dealings include contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resource value chain.

    They also include the termination of a distribution, loss reduction, and associated network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Chen Technology BXC.

    Other issues involve the procurement of contractors, materials, and activities, as well as payments related to the National Cathedral project.

    Additionally, activities and payments connected to a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health—initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiative—to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 304 5 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service are included.

    Finally, payments from and utilisation of the tax refund account of the Ghana Revenue Authority were also cited.

    INTERPOL Red Notice

    A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

    INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice. Each member country decides what legal value it gives to a Red Notice and the authority of its law enforcement officers to make arrests.

  • Ofori-Atta, 7 others to appear before court over SML scandal on Nov. 24

    Ofori-Atta, 7 others to appear before court over SML scandal on Nov. 24

    The Criminal Court 3 has scheduled Monday, 24 November, to hear the corruption cases involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and six former senior officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Taking to the X platform, the OSP wrote, ” Court case update The Republic v Kenneth Ofori-Atta & 7 Ors. Accused persons will be arraigned before court on Monday, 24 November 2025. The Prosecution will seek the necessary court orders for service of the charge sheet on the fugitives who are outside of the jurisdiction”.

    The defendants, who face 78 charges, are standing trial for their roles in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal, which allegedly caused financial loss to the state.

    The others involved in the trial are Ernest Darko Akore, former Chief of Staff to the Finance Minister; Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, both former Commissioner-Generals of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil; Kwadwo Damoah, former Commissioner of the Customs Division; Evans Adusei, CEO of SML; and the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd company.

    During a press conference on Thursday, October 30, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) accused the former Finance Minister of approving payments to SML without any technical or operational justification. According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta failed to intervene even though SML openly lacked the necessary capacity, expertise, and tools to execute its contract. Instead, he allegedly remained complicit, approving payments from the Consolidated Fund, the Petroleum Revenue Account, and the Tax Refund Account.

    The OSP concluded, “Had he not been personally benefiting from SML’s unlawfully procured contracts, the openly displayed lack of capacity, expertise, and tools would have immediately triggered his intervention to halt payments and demand accountability. Instead, he looked on conspiratorially in silence while endorsing and approving payments to SML from the Consolidated Fund, Petroleum Revenue Account, and Tax Refund Account with no technical or operational basis,” the OSP said.

    Strategic Mobilisation Limited has been operating in Ghana for the past five years to oversee revenue in the oil (upstream) and mining (mineral) sectors. In 2024, the revenue arm of the government discontinued two contract transactions—the Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML—and halted portions of the contract agreement.

    The GRA also suspended SML’s Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit until further notice, following a report from KPMG presented to then-President Akufo-Addo regarding irregularities in SML’s deals. Last week, President John Dramani Mahama ordered the termination of the SML deal after a comprehensive investigation conducted by the OSP, led by Mr. Kissi Agyebeng. The termination was communicated through a letter to the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Following the investigations, the anti-corruption agency identified procurement breaches and irregularities in contract awards, overreach beyond SML’s original mandate, inflated costs with questionable service delivery, and legal concerns. The SML contracts included multiple components, including a Transaction Audit and External Price Verification service agreement, a Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products contract, and later agreements for Upstream Petroleum and Minerals & Metals audit services.

    On 3 May 2024, the GRA terminated two of those contracts (Transaction Audit & External Price Verification) and suspended the Upstream Petroleum & Minerals Audit portion under the previous government. In June this year, following the OSP’s findings, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products—the main SML contract—was completely terminated, saving Ghana over GHS 1.2 billion.

    In an addendum shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the OSP noted additional savings beyond the GHS 1.2 billion. According to the agency, Ghana has now saved more than GHS 2.6 billion and US$173 million. These additional savings resulted from avoiding payments tied to crude oil and gold export monitoring services that were never implemented.

    “Following the earlier announcement that Ghana saved over GHS 1.2 billion from the cancellation of the main SML revenue assurance contract, there are additional savings from the upstream and mineral sector components of the agreement. These contracts, based on a variable fee structure linked to exports of crude oil and gold, would have cost the State approximately US$173 million for crude oil and GHS 2.6 billion for gold exports over five years. SML did not commence work as the arrangement coincided with the KPMG audit. Owing to the criminal investigations by the OSP and the subsequent cancellation by the President, Ghana has now avoided these further costs,” the OSP noted.

    In a detailed press briefing, the OSP highlighted critical findings that exposed systemic breaches of public financial regulations and clear misuse of authority resulting in financial loss to the state.

    “There was no genuine need for contracting SML for the obligations it’s purported to perform,” the Special Prosecutor declared.

    Mr. Agyebeng has solidified the case against SML, alleging that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta approved payments without technical or operational justification. According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta failed to intervene despite SML’s lack of capacity, expertise, and tools, remaining complicit by approving payments from the Consolidated Fund, Petroleum Revenue Account, and Tax Refund Account.

    The investigation also revealed SML’s inability to perform the contracted revenue assurance services, including transaction audits and external price verification.

    Even after 15 months, SML reportedly “had no system in place to receive CCVRs” (customs control and valuation records), essential data needed to execute its tasks. Additionally, the existing data provider, West Blue, was under “no legal obligation to release the vital data” to SML. Consequently, the assigned work remained uncompleted, yet payments continued, resulting in financial loss to the state.

    Former Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by the OSP for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, including the contractual arrangement between SML and the GRA, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resource value chain.

    Concerns over SML’s activities were first raised years ago by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. The GRA-SML contract was originally intended to boost revenue assurance in key sectors, streamline revenue collection, and ensure transparency and efficiency.

    An in-depth audit by KPMG, commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, revealed procedural errors and regulatory violations in awarding the contract. Specifically, the GRA did not obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and failed to seek parliamentary oversight before finalising the agreement with SML.

    The GRA entered into six service agreements with SML using the single-source procurement method without PPA approval. The first agreement, covering Transaction Audit Services, was signed on June 1, 2018, followed by a contract extension on January 1, 2019. On April 1, 2019, the GRA entered into another agreement for External Price Verification Services.

    On October 3, 2019, the parties signed a Consolidation Services Agreement, combining the Transaction Audit and External Verification Services.

    That same day, a separate agreement was signed for the Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products. Later, on July 29, 2020, an addendum to the Measurement Audit agreement was executed. The audit also revealed that SML owes the government over GHS 31 million in taxes.

  • OSP takes formal legal action against Ofori-Atta, SML, and six others

    OSP takes formal legal action against Ofori-Atta, SML, and six others

    The Special Prosecutor has officially filed charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, SML, and six others, signaling a major step in the corruption case.

    This move comes after President John Mahama directed that all SML-linked contracts be cancelled on October 31.

    His directive followed the OSP’s announcement that it had completed its investigation into the deals, which had generated widespread public concern.

    However, according to a statement released by the Superior Court of Judicature, OSP formally charges Ofori-Atta, SML and the six others have been charged for “conspiracy to commit the criminal offence of directly or indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of a procurement contract, contrary to section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and section 92(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).”

    “Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, 66 years, in your position as the Minister of Finance. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, 66 years, in your position as Acting Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority. Evans Adusei, 62 years, beneficial owner, Chief Executive and controlling mind of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited.”

    Weeks ago, The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyepong, has concluded that there was “no genuine need” for the controversial revenue assurance contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML (Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited).

    In a highly detailed press briefing following a comprehensive investigation, the OSP mentioned critical findings that exposed systemic breaches of public financial regulations and a clear misuse of authority that caused the state to lose money.

    “There was no genuine need for contracting SML for the obligations it’s purported to perform,” the Special Prosecutor declared.

     Mr Agyebeng has solidified the case against the contentious Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract, alleging that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta approved payments without any technical or operational justification.

    According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta failed to intervene even though SML openly lacked the necessary capacity, expertise, and tools to execute its contract. Instead, he allegedly remained complicit, approving payments from the Consolidated Fund, the Petroleum Revenue Account, and the Tax Refund Account.

    The OSP’s investigation concluded, “Had he not been personally benefiting from the SML’s unlawfully procured contracts, the openly displayed by SML of a lack of capacity’s expertise and tools would have immediately triggered his intervention to halt payments to SML and demand accountability. Instead, he looked on conspiratorially in silence, while endorsing and approving payments to SML from the Consolidated Fund, Petroleum Revenue Account, and Tax Refund Account with no technical or operational basis,” the OSP said during a press conference on Thursday, October 30.

    The OSP’s findings expose SML’s clear inability to perform the revenue assurance services it was contracted for, which included key responsibilities such as transaction audits and external price verification.

    According to the investigation, the continuous “troubleshooting displayed during this period was born of the unlawful imposition of SML in the space and the still lingering reality of SML’s lack of capacity to carry out transaction audits and external price verification.”

    Even after 15 months of engagement, SML reportedly “had no system in place to receive CCVRs” (customs control and valuation records), the essential data needed to execute its tasks. Additionally, the existing data provider, West Blue, was under “no legal obligation to release the vital data” to SML.

    As a result, the assigned work remained uncompleted, yet the company “continued to be paid,” reinforcing the OSP’s conclusion that the situation led to a financial loss to the state.

    It is important to note that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by the OSP for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, including the contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.

    The activities of SML came to light years ago after Manasseh Azure Awuni raised contractual breaches in a deal involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    The original purpose of the GRA-SML contract was to boost revenue assurance in vital sectors of Ghana’s economy, including the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals value chain. The goal was to streamline revenue collection, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in these high-revenue sectors.

    Following concerns, an in-depth audit was carried out by international firm KPMG, commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The audit was launched to examine the contractual agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML, with a particular focus on the procedures and approvals related to the contract.

    The KPMG audit uncovered significant procedural errors and regulatory violations in awarding the contract. Specifically, the GRA did not obtain the required approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and failed to seek parliamentary oversight before finalising the agreement with SML.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) entered into six service agreements with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) using the single-source procurement method without obtaining approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

    The first agreement, covering Transaction Audit Services, was signed on June 1, 2018. This was followed by a Contract Extension on January 1, 2019. On April 1, 2019, the GRA entered into another agreement with SML for External Price Verification Services. Subsequently, on October 3, 2019, the two parties signed a Consolidation Services Agreement, which combined the Transaction Audit and External Verification Services.

    That same day, a separate agreement was also signed for the Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products. Later, on July 29, 2020, an Addendum to the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement was executed.

    The audit report also revealed that SML owes the government over GHC31 million in taxes.

    During the period from September 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, a bulk payment to SML covering invoices for eight months did not have VAT and WHT deductions, amounting to GHC13.38 million. This contradicts GRA’s standard practice of deducting such taxes for payments to SML between June 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023.

    Additionally, SML failed to fulfil its statutory obligations by neither filing returns nor remitting these taxes to the GRA. Pursuant to Section 71(1) of the RA Act, the accrued interest on the tax liability is estimated at GHC18.50 million owed by SML to the GRA as of January 31, 2024. Consequently, the total liability incurred by SML amounts to GHC31.88 million.

  • GRA boss and top officials to appear before OSP over SML scandal

    GRA boss and top officials to appear before OSP over SML scandal

    The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Sarpong, together with other top officials, have been summoned by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for questioning over the controversial GRA–Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.

     The other GRA officials include  the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Finance, Celestine Annan; and the Technical Assistant to theCommissioner-General, Kenneth Agyei-Duah. Their invitation follows the recent arrest of the Acting Head of Legal Affairs at the GRA,  Freeman Sarbah for his alleged involvement in the controversial deal as well as trying to interfere with justice. 

    The Strategic Mobilization Limited has been operating in Ghana for the past five years to check revenue in the oil (upstream) and mining (mineral) sectors.  In 2024, the revenue arm of the government discontinued two contract transactions (the Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML, as well as halting portions of the contract agreement.

    The GRA also suspended the SML’s Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit until further notice. The suspension came after the then-President, Akufo-Addo received a report from KPMG against SML’s deals. Last week, President John Dramani Mahama ordered the  termination of the SML deal following a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Mr Kissi Agyebeng. The President issued the termination through a letter to  the Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. 

    Following the investigations, the anti-corruption agency discovered procurement breaches and irregularities in contract awards, contractual overreach beyond SML’s original mandate, lack of value for money due to inflated costs and questionable service delivery, and legal concerns.

    The SML contracts included several components, thus a Transaction Audit and External Price Verification service agreement, a Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products contract, and later agreements for Upstream Petroleum and Minerals & Metals audit services.

    On 3 May 2024, GRA terminated two of those contracts (the Transaction Audit & External Price Verification) and suspended the Upstream Petroleum & Minerals Audit portion under the erstwhile government.

    In June this year, following the OSP’s findings, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products (the main SML contract) was completely terminated, saving Ghana over GHS 1.2 billion.

    In an addendum shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the OSP noted that more has been saved in finances aside from the GHC 1.2billion. The OSP announced that Ghana has saved more than GHS 2.6 billion and US$173 million.

    The additional savings, it said, arose from avoiding payments tied to crude oil and gold export monitoring services that were never implemented.

    “Following the earlier announcement that Ghana saved over GHS 1.2 billion from the cancellation of the main SML revenue assurance contract, there an additional savings from the upstream and mineral sector components of the agreement. These contracts, which were based on a variable fee structure linked to exports of crude oil and gold, would have cost the State approximately US$173 million for crude oil and GHS 2.6 billion for gold exports over five years.

    SML did not commence work as the arrangement coincided with the KPMG audit. Owing to the criminal investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the subsequent cancellation by the President, Ghana has now avoided these further costs,” the OSP noted in its statement.

    In a highly detailed press briefing following a comprehensive investigation, the OSP mentioned critical findings that exposed systemic breaches of public financial regulations and a clear misuse of authority that caused the state to lose money.

    “There was no genuine need for contracting SML for the obligations it’s purported to perform,” the Special Prosecutor declared.

    Mr Agyebeng has solidified the case against the contentious Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract, alleging that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta approved payments without any technical or operational justification.

    According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta failed to intervene even though SML openly lacked the necessary capacity, expertise, and tools to execute its contract. Instead, he allegedly remained complicit, approving payments from the Consolidated Fund, the Petroleum Revenue Account, and the Tax Refund Account.

    The OSP’s investigation concluded, “Had he not been personally benefiting from the SML’s unlawfully procured contracts, the openly displayed by SML of a lack of capacity’s expertise and tools would have immediately triggered his intervention to halt payments to SML and demand accountability. Instead, he looked on conspiratorially in silence, while endorsing and approving payments to SML from the Consolidated Fund, Petroleum Revenue Account, and Tax Refund Account with no technical or operational basis,” the OSP said during a press conference on Thursday, October 30.

    The OSP’s findings expose SML’s clear inability to perform the revenue assurance services it was contracted for, which included key responsibilities such as transaction audits and external price verification.

    According to the investigation, the continuous “troubleshooting displayed during this period was born of the unlawful imposition of SML in the space and the still lingering reality of SML’s lack of capacity to carry out transaction audits and external price verification.”

    Even after 15 months of engagement, SML reportedly “had no system in place to receive CCVRs” (customs control and valuation records), the essential data needed to execute its tasks. Additionally, the existing data provider, West Blue, was under “no legal obligation to release the vital data” to SML.

    As a result, the assigned work remained uncompleted, yet the company “continued to be paid,” reinforcing the OSP’s conclusion that the situation led to a financial loss to the state.

    It is important to note that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by the OSP for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, including the contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.

    The activities of SML came to light years ago after Manasseh Azure Awuni raised contractual breaches in a deal involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    The original purpose of the GRA-SML contract was to boost revenue assurance in vital sectors of Ghana’s economy, including the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals value chain. The goal was to streamline revenue collection, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in these high-revenue sectors.

    Following concerns, an in-depth audit was carried out by international firm KPMG, commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The audit was launched to examine the contractual agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML, with a particular focus on the procedures and approvals related to the contract.

    The KPMG audit uncovered significant procedural errors and regulatory violations in awarding the contract. Specifically, the GRA did not obtain the required approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and failed to seek parliamentary oversight before finalising the agreement with SML.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) entered into six service agreements with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) using the single-source procurement method without obtaining approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

    The first agreement, covering Transaction Audit Services, was signed on June 1, 2018. This was followed by a Contract Extension on January 1, 2019. On April 1, 2019, the GRA entered into another agreement with SML for External Price Verification Services. Subsequently, on October 3, 2019, the two parties signed a Consolidation Services Agreement, which combined the Transaction Audit and External Verification Services.

    That same day, a separate agreement was also signed for the Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products. Later, on July 29, 2020, an Addendum to the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement was executed.

    The audit report also revealed that SML owes the government over GHC31 million in taxes.

  • OSP releases Adom-Otchere amid ongoing probe into GACL contract irregularities

    OSP releases Adom-Otchere amid ongoing probe into GACL contract irregularities

    Former Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Board Chairman Paul Adom-Otchere has been released from the custody of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) following a review of bail conditions.


    Mr Adom-Otchere was released by the Office of the Special Prosecutor from custody on Friday, August 1. Initially, the Office demanded that Adom-Otchere provide two landed properties as part of the bail condition. However, he informed the OSP that he does not own landed property in Ghana.


    The revised condition now requires one of the landed properties to be owned by a different individual. In a statement shared on the X platform, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) noted that “the revised terms, which meet the objectives of the original bail conditions, have been secured by the Jospong Group of Companies, acting as surety.”


    Mr Adom-Otchere is under investigation in connection with a revenue assurance contract between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and a private firm owned by the proprietor of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    The two other persons are Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive, Commercial Services, GACL and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Devnest Systems, Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea.
    The OSP is examining possible procurement breaches, including a sole-sourced contract awarded to a company other than the one approved by the GACL Board.

    Per reports, in an official letter dated July 25, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has named Paul Adom-Otchere as a suspect.
    Reacting to the invitation, Paul Adom-Otchere noted that this is a “witch-hunt” as the relevant management officials are available and were directly involved in the operational decision.

    Meanwhile, Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that something untoward has or had happened at the Kotoka International Airport.


    In his recent report, the investigative journalist stated that “Three days before the December 2024 election, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) awarded a revenue assurance and auditing contract to Evatex Logistics Limited, a mining and stevedoring company with no prior experience in performing this service.”


    “This shady revenue assurance and auditing contract appeared to be backdated (as would be proven shortly), for evidence points to the possibility that the contract was signed after the New Patriotic Party lost the election in 2024.

    The immediate past board chairman of the GACL, Paul Adom-Otchere, did not deny the allegation by management of the GACL that he brought the shady company. He has also confirmed that the procurement process for this shady contract started at the board level,” he added.


    In June this year, the Office of the Special Prosecutor searched the Tema and Osu offices belonging to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). The activities of SML came to light years ago after Manasseh Azure Awuni raised contractual breaches in a deal involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).


    The original purpose of the GRA-SML contract was to boost revenue assurance in vital sectors of Ghana’s economy, including the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals value chain.

    The goal was to streamline revenue collection, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in these high-revenue sectors.
    Following concerns, an in-depth audit was carried out by international firm KPMG, commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The audit was launched to examine the contractual agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML, with a particular focus on the procedures and approvals related to the contract.


    The KPMG audit uncovered significant procedural errors and regulatory violations in awarding the contract. Specifically, the GRA did not obtain the required approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and failed to seek parliamentary oversight before finalizing the agreement with SML
    GRA entered into six (6) service agreements with SML, utilising the single-source method without obtaining approval from PPA; Transaction Audit Services—1 June 2018, Contract Extension—1 January 2019, External Price Verification Services—1 April 2019, Consolidation Services Agreement (Transaction Audit & External Verification Services)—3 October 2019, Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products—3 October 2019 and Addendum to Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement—29 July 2020.


    The audit report also revealed that SML owes the government over GHC31 million in taxes. During the period from 1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021, a bulk payment to SML covering invoices for an 8-month period did not have VAT and WHT deductions, amounting to GHC13.38 million.


    This contradicts GRA’s standard practice of deducting such taxes for payments to SML between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2023. Additionally, SML failed to fulfil its statutory obligations by neither filing returns nor remitting these taxes to GRA.


    Pursuant to Section 71(1) of the RA Act, the accrued interest on the tax liability is estimated at GHC18.50 million owed by SML to GRA as of 31 January 2024. Consequently, the total liability incurred by SML amounts to GHC31.88 million.


    In May 2024, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, noted that the then Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had a role to play in the controversial deal.


    “The SML or SMEL deal is a clear example of what Justice Dotse described as a create, loot and share. One thing Ghanaians must bear in mind is that all of these happened with the tacit approval of the then Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    As usual, he is trying to run under the radar and people are failing to realise, the key cardinal role he played in this entire arrangement,” he stated while speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 25.


    In February this year, SML dragged Azure Awuni to court, claiming that Manasseh referred to its agreement with the government as “the biggest scam” and labeled the deal as “shady” while branding the entire situation “the SML scandal.”
    Last month, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) granted bail to Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), Evans Adusei and three others who were arrested for their involvement in contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML for revenue assurance services.
    The rest of the suspects granted bail are Philip Mensah, former deputy commissioner of Legal GRA and now legal consultant to SML; Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, both staff of the Public Procurement Authority; and Kofi Nti, former Commissioner General of GRA.
    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on June 25 arrested Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML); and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now MD/CEO of SML.
    These three individuals were detained after failing to meet bail conditions. The arrests are linked to ongoing investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of contracts between the GRA and SML for revenue assurance services.
    The probe also seeks to verify SML’s claims that its services have been saving the nation significant revenues.
    In July, the OSP declared former Chef de Cabinet (Technical Advisor) at the Finance Ministry, Ernest D. Akore, wanted over his alleged involvement in corruption-related offences concerning the Revenue Assurance Contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
    In a public notice served by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Wednesday, July 16, the Office noted that the 67-year-old likely possesses dual citizenship (Ghana and America) and is probably in hiding in the US, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, or South Africa.


    An arrest warrant for Mr. Akore has been issued by the High Court’s Criminal Division under the case title Republic v. Ernest D. Akore. To aid his arrest, the OSP has urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Akore to alert the Office by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 0554494499/0554484488.The High Court’s Criminal Division has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Akore

  • SML has not been granted permission to expand its mandate – GRA

    SML has not been granted permission to expand its mandate – GRA

    The Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) has not been granted permission to expand its revenue to cover the country’s upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors, according to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    A statement released on Wednesday, May 14, by the GRA, noted that the report is unfounded, emphasizing that the SML is still under supervision.

    “The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted with concern reports… claiming that Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) has unveiled an expansion of its revenue assurance oversight to cover Ghana’s upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors.

    “GRA wishes to clarify that the Authority’s suspension of SML’s services in the upstream petroleum and mineral sectors pending further review issued in April 2024, remains in force,” it said.



    The Strategic Mobilization Limited has been operating in Ghana for the past five years.

    In 2024, the revenue arm of the government discontinued two contract transactions (the Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML, as well as halting portions of the contract agreement.



    The GRA also suspended the SML’s Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit until further notice.

    The suspension comes after the then-President, Akufo-Addo received a report from KPMG against SML’s deals.

  • SML drags Manasseh to court over defamation, demands GHc21m in damages

    SML drags Manasseh to court over defamation, demands GHc21m in damages

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has filed a lawsuit against renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, alleging defamation over claims made in his book, The President Ghana Never Got.

    The company contends that statements made in Chapter 28, titled “The Mother of All Scandals,” are defamatory and were deliberately crafted to damage its reputation.

    According to a writ of summons filed at the High Court of General Jurisdiction and seen by GhanaWeb, SML accuses Manasseh of misrepresenting facts related to its contract with the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    “The Plaintiff avers that, notwithstanding the pending defamation suit, the Defendant, in Chapter 28 of his book, discusses the Plaintiff’s contract with the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a chapter titled ‘The Mother of All Scandals’. The Plaintiff says that in Chapter 28, the Defendant makes several non-factual statements that tarnish the Plaintiff’s reputation and have caused right-thinking members of society to shun the Plaintiff,” the court document reads.

    SML claims that Manasseh referred to its agreement with the government as “the biggest scam” and labeled the deal as “shady” while branding the entire situation “the SML scandal.”

    The journalist is also alleged to have dismissed the company’s statements and projections as “falsehoods” and “a lie”, while describing the agreement as “needless” and “redundant.”

    The company argues that these statements have caused significant reputational harm, leading to public disapproval and the loss of potential business deals in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.

    SML is seeking several remedies from the court, including:

    • GH¢1,000,000 in general damages for defamation.
    • GH¢20,000,000 in exemplary damages for what it describes as malicious reporting.
    • A perpetual injunction to prevent Manasseh from making further defamatory claims about the company.
    • A public retraction and apology specifically for statements made in Chapter 28 of his book.
    • Any other reliefs the court deems appropriate.
    SMLL sues Manasseh over ‘The President Ghana never had’ claimDownload
  • Energy Minister, CBOD halt downstream monitoring deal handed to SML by GRA

    Energy Minister, CBOD halt downstream monitoring deal handed to SML by GRA

    The Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors have raised concerns about the resumption of work by Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) in monitoring operations in Ghana’s Downstream Petroleum sector.

    The two officials highlighted issues with SML’s technology, stating that it was inferior to the revenue monitoring systems developed by the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and other stakeholders based on the Singaporean Standard.

    In a letter to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Energy Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to the new standards developed for measurements in the oil and gas sector, which utilize the Coriolis mass flow metering system.

    Meanwhile, the GRA had directed SML to restart its monitoring activities in the downstream petroleum sector effective June 14, 2024, following a comprehensive audit by KPMG. The audit concluded that SML contracts had breached several laws, including the Public Financial Management Act, and should go through Parliament for approval.

    The Ministry of Energy also announced the development of new measurement standards for the oil and gas sector in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and other stakeholders, based on the Singaporean Standard and utilizing the Coriolis mass flow metering system.

    These developments follow President Akufo-Addo’s commissioning of KPMG to audit the contract between the GRA and SML, which revealed significant financial details, including payments received by SML totaling GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.

    In light of these revelations, the CBOD CEO, Dr. Patrick Ofori, emphasized the existing mechanisms in place to ensure effective monitoring and mobilization of government revenue from the downstream petroleum sector, including systems by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the GRA, and tracking systems for fuel transportation.

    The GRA’s directive for SML’s operational resumption and the introduction of new measurement standards aim to enhance revenue collection in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and ensure accurate and reliable monitoring services.

    However, Dr. Ofori noted that there are more than four mechanisms in place to safeguard government revenue, suggesting a need for further scrutiny to ensure the effectiveness of these systems in protecting government revenue.

    The government’s efforts to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector underscore the importance of implementing robust monitoring systems to safeguard public funds and ensure transparency in the industry.

  • SML resumes monitoring operations in downstream petroleum sector – GRA

    SML resumes monitoring operations in downstream petroleum sector – GRA

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) will resume its monitoring operations of the Downstream Petroleum sector starting June 14, 2024.

    This directive follows President Akufo-Addo’s instructions based on a KPMG report, as stated in a GRA communication dated June 12, 2024, to Bulk Oil Distributors.

    In the statement, GRA emphasized the necessity of this directive, noting, “Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has been directed to resume its monitoring operations of the Downstream Petroleum sector with effect from June 14, 2024, in accordance with the Presidential Directives on the KPMG report.”

    The GRA further elaborated that SML is tasked with ensuring all systems are operational and comply with relevant standards to provide accurate and reliable monitoring services, thereby supporting revenue assurance.

    Bulk Oil Distributors have been urged to cooperate with SML to facilitate a smooth resumption of the monitoring activities.

    Simultaneously, the Ministry of Energy, in a statement dated June 20, 2024, revealed that new standards for measurements in the oil and gas sector have been developed in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the Ministry of Trade, and other stakeholders.

    These standards are based on the Singaporean Standard and employ the Coriolis mass flow metering system.

    The Energy Ministry stated, “The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Trade and Industries, and other relevant stakeholders, has developed new standards for measurements in the oil and gas sector based on the Singaporean Standard. The Minister for Trade and Industry has declared these standards operational and mandatory.” All entities involved in measurements for revenue assurances in the oil and gas sector must adhere to these new standards.

    The directive for SML to resume operations comes after an audit conducted by KPMG, commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on January 2.

    The audit aimed to review the contract between GRA and SML, highlighting significant financial transactions and payments to SML.

    According to the report, SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date. This includes GH¢454,860,396.27 for transaction audit and external price verification payments and GH¢945,342,007.29 for downstream petroleum measurement payments.

    The KPMG report also revealed that the total investment value in the contracts for transaction audit, external price verification services, and downstream petroleum audit services amounts to US$44,044,180.00. However, KPMG noted that SML did not provide the GRA with supporting documents or relevant information to verify these investments made from 2018 to 2023.

    KPMG recommended that GRA verify the investment of any of the services that were provided by SML.

    Regarding the downstream petroleum audit services, KPMG determined that there was an incremental volume of 1.7 billion litres and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review. 

    “There were also qualitative benefits, including a 24/7electronic real-time monitoring of the outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters,” the report added.

    The downstream petroleum sector refers to the final stage in the petroleum industry, where refined petroleum products are distributed and sold to consumers.

    This sector includes activities such as refining, storage, transportation, and marketing of petroleum products. Examples of downstream activities include operating refineries, distributing fuels to gas stations, and selling petroleum products to end-users like consumers and businesses.

  • SML paid some journalists to do PR for them – Bridget Otoo reveals

    SML paid some journalists to do PR for them – Bridget Otoo reveals

    Media personality Bridget Otoo has accused the management of Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) of paying money to some journalists to do damage control on its reputation over the KPMG report on its deal with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    In an interview on The KSM show, Bridget Otoo noted that journalists who are paid meagre salaries and are in need of money were bought by SML to write positive stories about the company at a time when its ineffectiveness was brought to light.

    “It is there, people are chasing soli before your story can go on air. In 2024, if you pay a journalist GHC3,000, you haven’t committed any crime. Everything we talk about in this country has to do with money. This SML scandal we are talking about, the company has been paid GHC1.4 billion for literally doing no work. So if a journalist takes that small money, which they did, at the point they paid journalists to do PR for them. So everybody wrote a story about SML and what they do,” she said.

    President Akufo-Addo released the KPMG audit report on the contentious contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) on Wednesday, May 22.

    This followed weeks of pressure from Ghanaians, including civil society organizations, demanding transparency regarding the numerous infractions in the contract.

    The audit findings revealed that SML owes the GRA GH¢31.88 million in unpaid taxes for eight months of service provision. This debt includes accrued interest, estimated at GH¢18.50 million as of January 31, 2024. It was also discovered that all these contracts lacked approval from both the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and Parliament.

    Furthermore, the report disclosed that the GRA had six service contracts with SML, contradicting the presidency’s initial claim of only three contracts. This discrepancy sharply contrasts with information previously stated in a press release by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, on April 24.

    These revelations have sparked significant public outrage, with many Ghanaians calling for the immediate cancellation of the deal and the prosecution of those responsible

  • The biggest single purveyor of corruption in the public service is GRA – Sam George

    The biggest single purveyor of corruption in the public service is GRA – Sam George

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, has declared the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) the “biggest single purveyor of corruption in the public service.”

    According to him, the GRA, which is supposed to act as a watchdog ensuring that no one evades taxes, failed in this duty in the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) deal, neglecting to retrieve owed taxes.

    His comments follow the release of a full KPMG report by President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, May 22. The report revealed that Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) owes the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) GH¢ 31.88 million in unpaid taxes for eight months of service provision.

    This outstanding amount includes accrued interest, estimated at GH¢ 18.50 million as of January 31, 2024.

    The MP noted that several institutions have appeared before the public accounts committee due to the Auditor General’s findings of untaxed transactions.

    “Infact sometimes we impose penalties on them to pay with interest. The withholding tax is not supposed to be withheld by SML, its by GRA in making the payment. So when GRA was making payment to SML, they ought to know, that they ought to have withheld taxes.”

    “It appears as though the GRA itself is under duress in this deal. Officers of the GRA, because of the overwhelming influence of the patriarchs of SML and the relationship with the GRA, people are under so much duress that they are failing to even carry out the basic things. You have created loot, and you are sharing.

    “So, when the police man is involved in armed robbery, who arrests him?”

  • SML-GRA deal which is to loot and share was approved by Ofori-Atta – Sam George

    SML-GRA deal which is to loot and share was approved by Ofori-Atta – Sam George

    Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George, has added his voice to the criticism surrounding the controversial contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    He described the deal as a classic example of what former Supreme Court Justice, Jones Dotse, famously termed “create, loot, and share.” Mr. George believes the agreement was designed to siphon funds from the state coffers, portraying it as a mechanism for facilitating embezzlement.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 25, the outspoken politician emphasized the importance of not overlooking the involvement of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in the controversial arrangement.

    Mr. George believes Ofori-Atta played a significant role in the deal and should not be allowed to evade responsibility.

    “The SML or SMEL deal is a clear example of what Justice Dotse described as a create, loot and share. One thing Ghanaians must bear in mind is that all of these happened with the tacit approval of the then Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.”

    “As usual, he is trying to run under the radar and people are failing to realise, the key cardinal role he played in this entire arrangement,” he stated.

    Mr. George also characterized the GRA as a “crime scene”.

    “The Ghana Revenue Authority in my humble opinion is a crime scene and is the biggest single purveyor of corruption in our public service. I suggest the dissolution and reconstitution of the whole GRA. The GRA is supposed to be the watchdog in ensuring that nobody evades taxes and in this SML deal, the GRA itself failed to retrieve tax,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo released the KPMG audit report on the contentious contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) on Wednesday, May 22. This followed weeks of pressure from Ghanaians, including civil society organizations, demanding transparency regarding the numerous infractions in the contract.

    The audit findings revealed that SML owes the GRA GH¢31.88 million in unpaid taxes for eight months of service provision. This debt includes accrued interest, estimated at GH¢18.50 million as of January 31, 2024. It was also discovered that all these contracts lacked approval from both the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and Parliament.

    Furthermore, the report disclosed that the GRA had six service contracts with SML, contradicting the presidency’s initial claim of only three contracts. This discrepancy sharply contrasts with information previously stated in a press release by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, on April 24.

    These revelations have sparked significant public outrage, with many Ghanaians calling for the immediate cancellation of the deal and the prosecution of those responsible.

  • Matron and bursar of Somé SHS nabbed for allegedly stealing food supplies

    Matron and bursar of Somé SHS nabbed for allegedly stealing food supplies

    The matron and the bursar of Somé SHS in Agbozume, located in the Ketu South Municipality, have been arrested for allegedly stealing food supplies intended for the school’s boarding students.

    According to reports, the duo has been involved in these illegal activities for several years.

    The arrest was initiated by Ibrahim Ayuba, the assembly member for the Logove Electoral Area, after the stolen items were intercepted.

    The stolen items included tin tomatoes, mackerel, detergents, and insecticide spray, with some found in the matron’s bag and others in the bursar’s car.

    The suspects are currently being held at the Agbozume police station.

  • NPA CEO reverses position on SML service, prepares to award contract to another company

    NPA CEO reverses position on SML service, prepares to award contract to another company

    Several months following the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) CEO, Dr. Mustapha Abdul Hamid, voicing significant concerns regarding a revenue contract’s possible duplicity between the revenue assurance company, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), there seems to have been an abrupt change in direction.

    Initially, the NPA CEO expressed reservations about potential role duplication when certain members of the NPA management discovered that SML Ghana had been tasked with automatic tank gauging, a function already performed by the GRA.

    “Potentially, we consider it (the SML deal) duplicitous,” the NPA CEO said of the company created in February 2017 to boost the Revenue deal a year or two later.

    Regarding the necessity of a company like SML Ghana in the petroleum revenue tracking system, the NPA CEO stated that the system is already robust and does not require the involvement of SML Ghana.

    “The NPA has a system that tracks the lifting and transportation of fuel products from the depots to the tanks of the oil marketing companies. With that system, the NPA can tell the volumes of petroleum products in all the fuel stations across Ghana at any given time,” he revealed.

    However, a letter dated May 20, 2024, and signed by Dr. Mustapha Abdul Hamid, inviting stakeholders for an engagement on May 23, 2024, contradicts his previous position and raises doubts about his credibility.

    The letter reads in part: “The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) wishes to invite you to participate in a presentation by Fields Limited, which seeks to provide an End-to-End Primary Supply Assurance and Management System for the Petroleum Downstream Industry.”

    The technology aims to provide a tailored solution to meet the needs of all stakeholders in terms of ensuring the visibility of supplies of petroleum products in the country, including stock monitoring and management, as well as addressing risks associated with the supply, trading, and financing of petroleum products.

    The presentation is scheduled as follows:

    Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024

    Time: 11 am

    Venue: NPA Head Office, Dzorwulu

    Questions have been raised as to why there is a sudden change in position when the CEO had earlier raised concerns about the duplicity of the project, among others.

    What has happened to the robust system of the NPA, and was it the case that the NPA was not in a position to track all petroleum products as he claimed earlier?

    Who is HFIElD, and what is their experience? And who is the person behind the company, as well as their experience?

    What is the need for a new service provider at a time when the GRA already has an end-to-end revenue assurance system?

  • There is no judgment debt, we must chase SML for monies it didn’t earn – Manasseh Azure

    There is no judgment debt, we must chase SML for monies it didn’t earn – Manasseh Azure

    Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has stated that Ghana would not incur any financial obligations if it terminates the revenue mobilisation transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Instead, he suggests that the country should pursue SML for funds it did not earn, as well as officials responsible for significant financial losses due to the contract.

    While audit firm KPMG has noted that the contract between the GRA and SML can be terminated by either party, it also stated in its full report on the contract that such termination could have financial implications for the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the GRA.

    “Upon termination, GoG and GRA remain liable to settle SML for services already completed but not yet paid. GoG and GRA are not entitled to a refund of any compensation already paid to SML, regardless of the termination cause.”

    “If GoG or GRA terminates without a cause, it becomes liable to pay SML an ROI equivalent to the fair value of SML’s investment in the contract,” it stated.

    But Mr Awuni in an Eyewitness News interview on Citi FM on Thursday said “I don’t see where there is judgment debt. The liability comes when the company is able to demonstrate how much they have spent and how much they are losing.

    “The SML report even before the full one came out, the presidency said the KPMG tried to get SML to actually tell us or give evidence of its investments into this contract, the company couldn’t justify that. We also know that over a billion cedis has already been paid to this company. So if there is any money to be taken, Ghana should be chasing SML for money the company did not earn and not the other way round.”

    “SML takes revenue from fuel that is [taken] from all the depots in this country, a percentage. But the report said their metres are not yet working in some of the depots.

    “Ghana should rather go to SML and chase them for money and the state and public officials that caused these huge losses to the state should be facing the court.”

  • KPMG report never indicated SML was paid GHS1.4bn – Akufo-Addo’s lawyer

    KPMG report never indicated SML was paid GHS1.4bn – Akufo-Addo’s lawyer

    President Akufo-Addo’s lawyer, Kow Essuman, has refuted claims that the KPMG report indicates Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) was paid GHS 1.4 billion by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    Mr Essuman described these assertions as misleading and clarified that the report’s findings have been misinterpreted by some individuals and media outlets, thereby misleading the public.

    “The assertion that the KPMG report indicates SML was paid GHS 1.4 billion is misleading.”

    “Upon careful review, one will notice that the KPMG report does not state that SML received GHS 1.4 billion. On page 31, the report lists a gross amount of GHS 1.4 billion, but it also specifies the net amount paid to SML as GHS1,061,054,778.00. A note at the bottom of page 31 explicitly clarifies that the net amount is ‘net of taxes.’ Therefore, the conclusion that SML was paid GHS 1.4 billion is incorrect because no business is ever paid the gross amount. The accurate figure actually paid to SML is GHS 1,061,054,778.00,” he posted on X on Thursday, May 23.

    The lawyer urged the public and media to thoroughly examine the KPMG report and understand the context of the figures presented.

    He stressed that the government’s commitment to transparency remains unwavering and that misleading interpretations of the audit’s findings only serve to distort the facts and undermine public trust.

    The report highlights various aspects of the transactions, including unpaid taxes and interest owed by SML, which have been conflated with the payments made by the GRA.

    President Akufo-Addo commissioned the KPMG audit to ensure transparency and accountability in government contracts, particularly following public concerns and an investigation by The Fourth Estate. The audit was meant to address these concerns and clarify the contractual arrangements between SML and the GRA.

  • KPMG Report: SML absorbs GHS720m from GHS2.45bn ESLA funds

    KPMG Report: SML absorbs GHS720m from GHS2.45bn ESLA funds

    In a recently-released KPMG audit report, it’s disclosed that Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) received GH¢720 million from the GH¢2.45 billion revenue generated through the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) in its revenue mobilisation transaction with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    The audit revealed that the GRA-SML agreement resulted in an increase in volume liftings and tax revenue, amounting to GH¢12.98 billion for the period between May 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023.

    “Based on analysis using ESLA reported liftings as the pre-SML, the incremental reported volume that is attributable to the involvement of SML is determined as 1.70 billion litres for the period.”

    “This works out to a monthly average of 38.6 million litres per month.”

    “The incremental revenue that is attributable to the involvement of SML is GH¢2.45 billion for the period.”

    “The fee of GH¢720 million paid to SML for the same period constitutes 29.41% of the incremental tax revenue,” the report said.

  • SML meter data on fuel deliveries to BDC depots unreliable – KPMG

    SML meter data on fuel deliveries to BDC depots unreliable – KPMG

    A comprehensive report by the renowned auditing and advisory firm KPMG has revealed concerning findings regarding the data provided by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    The audit firm stated that the volumes of products measured by SML were unreliable and, therefore, could not be reported to the GRA. This unreliability was attributed to the presence of water in the pipes used by SML.

    In the full KPMG report, released by President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, May 22, it was disclosed that SML, in consultation with the GRA, had implemented the Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) system to address data reliability issues.

    However, KPMG highlighted on page 129 of its report that, at the time of issuance, ATGs had not been deployed at 19 depots.

    The audit added that the delay in deploying these ATGs presented challenges in ensuring accurate and reliable data reporting by SML.

    “However, due to the presence of water in the pipes, the volume measured with the inlet flow Meter is unreliable and therefore not reported to GRA.”

    “As a result of the water issue identified, SML after consultations with GRA implemented ATG systems to monitor the volumes of products received into tanks at the depot,” the report said.

    Meanwhile, the report also indicated that SML owed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) GH¢31.88 million in unpaid taxes for eight months of service provision. This outstanding amount includes accrued interest, estimated at GH¢18.50 million as of January 31, 2024.

    According to the accounting and advisory firm, SML has failed to fulfill its statutory obligations by neglecting to file its tax returns or remit the owed taxes to the GRA. This deviation from standard practice occurred between June 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023, during which the GRA typically deducts taxes for payments made to SML.

    “During the period from 1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021, a bulk payment to SML covering invoices for an eight (8) month period, did not have VAT and WHT deductions, amounting to GH¢13.38 million. This contradicts GRA’s standard practice of deducting such taxes for payments to SML between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2023.”

    “Additionally, SML failed to fulfil its statutory obligations by neither filing returns nor remitting these taxes to GRA. Pursuant to Section 71(1) of the RA Act, the accrued interest on the tax liability is estimated at GH¢18.50 million owed by SML to GRA as of 31 January 2024. Consequently, the total liability incurred by SML amounts to GH¢31.88 million.”

    “At the time of our review, we noticed the discrepancy and informed GRA, leading to their subsequent communication with SML, demanding a settlement of the outstanding amount,” an excerpt of the report said on page 14.

  • Gov’t paid SML $4M yearly instead of $5,000 to verify prices of imported goods – Bright Simons

    Gov’t paid SML $4M yearly instead of $5,000 to verify prices of imported goods – Bright Simons

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has revealed that the government paid Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) $4 million annually to verify prices of imported goods when the same service could have been obtained for as little as $5,000.

    External Price Verification involves validating the prices for goods, services, or assets by leveraging globally recognised standard databases.

    The recently released KPMG audit report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML highlighted several discrepancies and inefficiencies in the pricing structure of these services.

    In assessing the fairness of SML’s pricing, KPMG compared the contract with leading practice firms offering similar services in other jurisdictions. Their observations include:

    • Comparators typically operate a subscription model with fees structured annually or monthly, rather than a fixed percentage of the overall transaction value per month (0.07% of the monthly CIF value).
    • The fee paid under External Price Verification from November 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, totaled GHC 131,589,863.41 (US$ 15,952,367.59), averaging GHC 2,631,797.27 (US$ 319,047.35) per month.

    SML’s variable pricing structure and the inclusion of data collection significantly influenced the service’s cost. KPMG recommended that GRA consider alternative options, such as subscribing directly to databases, which may offer more favorable terms.

    Alternatively, renegotiating the payment terms with SML to ensure the pricing structure is equitable and reflects the value received from the Transaction Value Assessment System (TVAS) was also suggested.

    GRA is advised to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the most economically viable and efficient approach to external price verification, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maintaining the integrity of the pricing validation process.

    SML’s role in external price verification required them to provide an external pricing database and conduct market research to assist the GRA in accessing current prices of imported goods. SML claimed to have granted access to TVAS and stationed two staff members at the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB) in January 2020.

    However, due to COVID-19, these staff members were withdrawn in April 2020. Concerns were raised regarding the reliability of SML’s pricing information, which was perceived as inflated or deflated by CTSB.

    In May 2020, GRA implemented the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which includes external price verification capabilities. This created a duplication of the services provided by SML. From April 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, and April 2020 to January 2, 2024, there was no evidence of external price verification services being offered or utilized by SML and GRA, respectively.

    On May 23, 2023, SML provided TVAS system training for CTSB officials and delivered computers in December 2023 to aid GRA’s external price verification activities.

    Based on KPMG’s analysis, SML partially delivered on the service requirements, and GRA may not have obtained all the expected benefits from the service. The audit report underscores the need for the government to review and optimize its contracts to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.

    https://twitter.com/BBSimons/status/1793391485947158861/photo/2
  • SML-GRA deal: Company gov’t contracted to help collect taxes is owing GHC32m tax

    SML-GRA deal: Company gov’t contracted to help collect taxes is owing GHC32m tax

    The KPMG report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has uncovered significant tax discrepancies, with SML found owing the government over GHC31 million.

    The GRA and SML entered into a number of contracts to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream and upstream petroleum sectors, as well as the minerals and metals resource value chain.

    But it has been observed that during the period from 1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021, a bulk payment to SML covering invoices for an eight-month period lacked VAT and WHT deductions, amounting to GHC13.38 million. This departure from GRA’s standard practice contradicted previous deductions made for payments to SML between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2023.

    Furthermore, SML failed to meet its statutory obligations by neither filing returns nor remitting these taxes to GRA. Pursuant to Section 71(1) of the RA Act, the accrued interest on the tax liability is estimated at GHC18.50 million owed by SML to GRA as of 31 January 2024.

    Consequently, the total liability incurred by SML stands at GHC31.88 million.

    Upon review, the discrepancy was brought to the attention of GRA, prompting their subsequent communication with SML, demanding settlement of the outstanding amount.

    The release of the KPMG audit report by President Nana Akufo-Addo comes in response to weeks of mounting pressure from the public and civil society organizations for transparency regarding the contentious contract. The President commissioned KPMG to audit the contract on January 2, 2024, with an initial deadline of January 16, 2024, later extended to February 23, 2024.

  • SML owes gov’t GHC31.88 million in taxes – KPMG report

    SML owes gov’t GHC31.88 million in taxes – KPMG report

    The KPMG report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has revealed that SML owes the government over GHC31 million in taxes.

    During the period from 1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021, a bulk payment to SML covering invoices for an eight (8) month period did not have VAT and WHT deductions, amounting to GHE13.38 million.

    This contradicts GRA’s standard practice of deducting such taxes for payments to SML between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2023.

    Additionally, SML failed to fulfil its statutory obligations by neither filing returns nor remitting these taxes to GRA.

    Pursuant to Section 71(1) of the RA Act, the accrued interest on the tax liability is estimated at GHC18.50 million owed by SML to GRA as of 31 January 2024. Consequently, the total liability incurred by SML amounts to GHC31.88 million.

    The release of the report comes after weeks of increasing pressure from the public and civil society organizations calling for transparency due to reported issues with the contract. President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to audit the contract on January 2, 2024, with an initial deadline of January 16, 2024, which was later extended to February 23, 2024.

    The report has raised concerns about the management of taxpayer funds and has prompted calls for accountability and reforms within the GRA. The government has stated that it will take appropriate action based on the findings of the report to ensure that such lapses do not occur in the future.

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  • Govt paid KPMG $320K to audit shady GRA-SML deal – Report

    Govt paid KPMG $320K to audit shady GRA-SML deal – Report

    Government allocated a substantial $320,000 to consultancy giant KPMG for an investigation into alleged corrupt contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML), as reported by StatsGH.

    These contracts have come under intense scrutiny for suspected opacity and potential financial misconduct.


    In a recent update on the X platform, “BREAKING Government of Ghana paid KPMG $320,000 to make a report on the corrupt contracts GRA signed with SML. Today, the Government says it cannot show the report to the tax payer under the RTI”.

    Despite the considerable investment in this inquiry, the Government has now stated its inability to make the report public under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.


    This decision has triggered widespread indignation among citizens and transparency advocates, who have long clamored for increased governmental accountability.

    Many are questioning the wisdom of allocating such a substantial sum for a report now withheld from public view.

    Critics argue that transparency and accountability are indispensable tenets of effective governance.

    They contend that withholding the report erodes public confidence in the government’s commitment to combatting corruption.


    Following a request by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for access to the comprehensive KPMG audit report, the Presidency, in a letter dated May 7, 2024, declined the Right to Information (RTI) application.

    The decision has drawn condemnation, with Manasseh, part of the MFWA team reporting on the “SML scandal,” criticizing President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to release the complete report.


    Manasseh underscored the precedent set by President John Dramani Mahama, who, even without the Right to Information Law, released critical reports to the public.

    He questioned Akufo-Addo’s motives for withholding the KPMG report and pledged continued scrutiny of the SML scandal.


    In response to the MFWA’s request, the Presidency cited section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, claiming the report’s contents contain deliberative processes integral to the President’s decision-making and are therefore exempt from disclosure.

    Despite this refusal, the Presidency asserted that the report’s findings and recommendations had been disclosed in a detailed press statement.

    “Upon careful consideration and in accordance with section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, I regret to inform you that your request has been refused. Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) states that information prepared for or submitted to the President or Vice President containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure and that disclosure of such information would compromise the integrity of the deliberative process by revealing the thought process, considerations, and influence on decision-making reserved for the highest offices of the land.

    “The full KPMG Audit Report comprises opinions, advice, deliberations, and recommendations that are integral to the President’s deliberative process and, therefore, qualifies as exempt information under section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i),” the letter read in part.

  • Hiding KPMG report will not make us forget “stinky” SML scandal – Manasseh tells Akufo-Addo

    Hiding KPMG report will not make us forget “stinky” SML scandal – Manasseh tells Akufo-Addo

    Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has directly confronted President Akufo-Addo regarding the Presidency’s decision to withhold the complete KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilisation agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Awuni firmly asserted that any efforts to conceal what he termed a “stinky” deal would prove futile. The decision not to disclose the full KPMG audit report has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

    Citing specific provisions within the RTI Act, the Presidency has declined to release the report, citing concerns over confidentiality and the sensitive nature of the data involved.

    In a letter addressed to the MFWA and signed by the Chief Director to the Chief of Staff, H. M. Wood, the Presidency expressed regret over its inability to fulfill the request for the full KPMG audit report.

    In response to the Presidential decision, Manasseh Azure Awuni expressed skepticism regarding the confidentiality claims surrounding the KPMG report. He pledged to hold all individuals implicated in the agreement accountable for their actions, underscoring that transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of democratic governance.

    “The SML deal stinks. If they think hiding the KPMG report will make us forget the SML scandal, they should think again. The SML scandal will not die. And those behind in the past and in the future will face justice, no matter how long it takes.”

    He also referenced former President John Dramani Mahama’s release of the full GYEEDA report during his tenure, emphasizing the significance of transparency in addressing matters of public interest.

    “Even when we did not have the Right to Information Law, President John Mahama released a white paper and released the full GYEEDA Report as well. The Akufo-Addo-led opposition NPP was the loudest in asking President Mahama to release that report, which was also a subject of my investigation in 2013.”

    “What is Akufo-Addo hiding from us?” he asked.

    KPMG, an auditing firm, has completed and submitted its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

    The President tasked KPMG with auditing the contract on January 2, 2024, setting an initial deadline of January 16, 2024, which was later extended to February 23, 2024.

    According to the audit findings, SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date, while only partially fulfilling its obligations. However, the report also acknowledged that SML’s efforts had contributed to increased revenue in the downstream petroleum sector.

    Despite the audit report’s claims, SML has disputed receiving GH¢1,061,054,778.00 for its contract with the GRA. They argue that KPMG’s figure was cited “without reference to the investments made and the taxes paid” during the review period.

    In response to the report, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), stated that the foundation had submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to the presidency for the full KPMG Audit Report.

  • Akufo-Addo rejects request for full disclosure of KPMG audit report on GRA-SML contract

    Akufo-Addo rejects request for full disclosure of KPMG audit report on GRA-SML contract

    The Presidency has rejected a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) seeking access to the complete KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilization agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Citing sections 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, the Presidency stated that the report contains sensitive information deemed crucial and falls under exempt categories under the law.

    In a letter addressed to the MFWA and signed by the Chief Director to the Chief of Staff, H. M. Wood, the Presidency expressed regrets over its inability to fulfill the media outfit’s request.

    “Upon careful consideration and in accordance with section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, I regret to inform you that your request has been refused. Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) states that information prepared for or submitted to the President or Vice President containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure and that disclosure of such information would compromise the integrity of the deliberative process by revealing the thought process, considerations, and influence on decision-making reserved for the highest offices of the land.

    “The full KPMG Audit Report comprises opinions, advice, deliberations, and recommendations that are integral to the President’s deliberative process and, therefore, qualifies as exempt information under section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i),” the letter read in part.

    The Presidency emphasized that the findings and recommendations of the KPMG report had been disclosed in a detailed press statement.

    “Understanding the public interest in the GRA-SML contract, the President has published the principal findings and recommendations of the KPMG report in a detailed press statement issued by the Office of the President on 24th April 2024. Thus, the public remains informed while respecting the statutory restrictions on specific disclosures,” it added.

    Regarding the KPMG report:

    The audit, commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on January 2, 2024, with a deadline initially set for January 16, 2024, but later extended to February 23, 2024, was conducted by KPMG, an auditing firm.

    The report indicated that SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date while partially fulfilling its obligations. However, it also acknowledged SML’s contribution to revenue increase in the downstream petroleum sector.

    Responding to the report, SML disputed the stated figure, arguing that KPMG failed to consider their investments and taxes paid during the review period.

    In his response, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to transparency by submitting an RTI request for the full KPMG Audit Report.

  • 2 SML contracts terminated by GRA

    2 SML contracts terminated by GRA

    In adherence to President Akufo-Addo’s recent directives regarding its agreement with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has terminated the Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML.

    Additionally, the GRA has instructed the suspension of the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit components of the contract, pending further examination of the contract particulars.

    Furthermore, the GRA has opted to modify the measurement audit for the Downstream Petroleum Products Contract by transitioning to a fixed fee structure. The Authority has also announced its intention to thoroughly reassess other aspects of the contract, including service delivery expectations, termination clauses, and intellectual property rights.

    The GRA disclosed this in a letter entitled “Compliance with Presidential Directives on Recommendations in KPMG Report on the Transactions Between GRA and SML,” dated May 3, 2024, signed by its Commissioner General, Ms Julie Essiam, and addressed to the Managing Director of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)

    The GRA letter has been distributed to several key individuals, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff Mars Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante, Finance Minister Mohammed Amin, the Director of Legal at the Ministry of Finance, and the Deputy Commissioner responsible for Legal Affairs at the GRA.

    “This is about the presidential directives dated 18 April 2024 on the recommendations of KPMG concerning the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services between the Government of Ghana acting per the Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

    “Following the directives of the President, GRA has undertaken a thorough review of the Consolidation of Services (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services) contract dated 3 October 2019, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract dated 3 October 2019, and the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services (Upstream and Minerals Audit) contract dated 25 October 2023,” the GRA letter read.

    “Based on the review, the following actions are to be taken: First, The Transaction Audit and External Verification Services Contract will be terminated. Secondly, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract will be amended.

    “Specifically, the fee structure will be revised to a fixed fee structure. In addition, other provisions such as service delivery expectations, termination, and intellectual property rights will be subjected to a thorough review.

    “Thirdly, the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit portions of the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services cannot take effect until a comprehensive technical needs assessment, value-for-money assessment, and relevant stakeholder consultations have been achieved,” the GRA letter to SML further read.

    GRA-SML investigations

    President Akufo-Addo received the KPMG report on April 2, 2024, three months after commissioning the audit firm to investigate the GRA-SML deal. After reviewing the report, the government issued a press statement endorsing KPMG’s recommendations in full. As part of this adoption, the government directed the GRA to review the deal among other directives.

    On January 2, 2024, President Akufo-Addo appointed and tasked KPMG, a leading audit, tax, and advisory services firm, to immediately audit the transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML). This contract aimed to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, the upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resources value chain.

    The President’s directive was communicated through a statement from the communications directorate of the Jubilee House, signed by the director of communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin. The audit’s terms of reference included six objectives:

    1. Conduct an audit to determine the rationale or needs assessment performed before GRA’s contract approval and assess how the arrangement aligns with specific needs.
    2. Assess the appropriateness of the contracting methodology, verifying compliance with legal standards and industry best practices in the procurement process for selecting SML.
    3. Evaluate the degree of alignment between current activities and the stipulated contract scope, identifying any deviations.
    4. Assess the value or benefit that SML has provided to the GRA through this engagement.
    5. Review financial arrangements, including pricing structures, payment terms, and resolution of any financial compliance issues.
    6. Submit a report on findings and appropriate recommendations regarding the above objectives.

    “President Akufo-Addo further tasked KPMG to complete the assignment in two weeks and submit appropriate recommendations to him. The President also directed the Ministry of Finance and GRA to provide KPMG with whatever assistance they will require for the conduct of the audit and has also directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to suspend the performance of the contract, pending the submission of the audit report, including any payments presently envisaged under its terms,” the Jubilee House statement further read.

  • It is pointless to publish KPMG’s full report – Afenyo-Markin

    It is pointless to publish KPMG’s full report – Afenyo-Markin

    Majority in Parliament has rejected demands for the complete disclosure of the KPMG report on the GRA and SML contracts.

    After the audit report was submitted on April 24, 2024, a statement from the Presidency disclosed that the total fees paid under the contracts from 2018 until the suspension date exceeded one billion Ghana cedis.

    However, SML has denied this assertion.

    In response, the NDC has joined the chorus calling for President Akufo-Addo to release the full audit report.

    Addressing reporters, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the full report serves as an advisory document for the President in decision-making; hence, it would be inappropriate to make it public.

    “There’s no doubt in our minds that the document is for advisory purposes; it is an opinion that is guiding Mr. President in decision-making. So, it is not within the rights of anybody to demand it.

    “Much as it is in the law that members of the public have the right to receive public documents for the sake of transparency and good governance.

    It is also a Bonafide document of the president to give this advice, and opinion to himself,” the Majority leader said.

  • Minority has failed to prove GRA-SML deal is causing financial loss to the state – Majority

    Minority has failed to prove GRA-SML deal is causing financial loss to the state – Majority

    The Majority in Parliament has dismissed as unfounded the calls by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in the SML-GRA contract.

    Members of the Majority caucus argued that there is inadequate evidence to suggest that any government official is responsible for causing financial loss to the state, making prosecution in the SML-GRA deal unwarranted.

    In a statement to the press, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stressed that President Akufo-Addo’s decision to conduct a comprehensive review of the contract is in the best interest of the public.

    “Now we are aware that our friends in the NDC are calling for certain prosecutions. I think that they have not paid attention to the whole issue and they only want to do politics as usual. Their call is unfounded for the simple reason that there isn’t any established proof of any officer of state causing financial loss to the state. 

    “Indeed what they think are payments to SML are not payments borne out of the government’s revenue. If you peruse the agreement, SML is paid out of what it generates and they would have to pay attention to the details. They are paid 0.05% per litre of revenue that they generate as a result of the system that they put in place to monitor activities in the petroleum sector. 

    “And it is instructive to also note that his company opened its doors to the Mines and Energy Committee to inspect and to see the nature of their operations. What I want to urge our colleagues in the opposition is that they should not kill Ghanaian businesses. 

    “Often under the guise of due diligence and ensuring that there is transparency, we often get out of control and destroy Ghanaian companies, whereas foreign ones who operate in certain sectors get a kind of protection that makes them develop their business but often Ghanaian businesses suffer,” he stated.

    The report released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, finds the GRA guilty of failing to obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    According to a report by KPMG, GRA sought approval from PPA three times between June 2017 and September 2017 to engage SML for transaction audit services, but approval was not granted.

    Despite this, GRA proceeded to engage SML as a subcontractor to West Blue, eventually taking over services from West Blue when their contract ended in December 2018.

    Furthermore, GRA added external price verification to the services offered by SML and signed a downstream petroleum audit agreement with SML, all without PPA approval.

    It was not until August 27, 2020, under new leadership at GRA, that PPA ratified the procurement processes used to engage SML. This raises questions about GRA’s adherence to procurement regulations and the oversight of its contracting processes.

  • You are a “hypocrite” for defending ‘lawless’ SML – Woyome fires Samson Lardy

    You are a “hypocrite” for defending ‘lawless’ SML – Woyome fires Samson Lardy

    Ghanaian businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome has criticized journalist and lawyer Sampson Lardy Anyenini, accusing him of hypocrisy over the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) 

    Woyome’s criticism comes after Samson Lardy Anyenini reportedly expressed sympathy towards Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), which had its revenue assurance contract with the government scaled down due to allegations of a corrupt deal.

    Woyome argued that the legal grounds for canceling the SML contract are similar to the technicalities used against him by the government.

    He accused Anyenini of siding with the government against him but showing sympathy towards SML.

    “I heard, @Samson Lardy Anyenini, on Joy 99.7 FM say Government not sending the SML Contract to Parliament for Approval is not the FAULT of SML. In essence he is saying SML and its Directors have no constitutional mandate or obligation to send contracts to Parliament for Approval (even before executing same).

    “I must state that I agree with him 100 percent, because I have always argued that no Contractor or Businessman has the power to perform any Constitutional,  Legal or Regulatory duties/functions of Ministers or Public Officials.

    According to him, “My concern is the shameless hypocrisy, double standard, dishonesty, shallowness and unprincipled mature of people like Samson Lardy Anyenini,” Mr Woyome wrote in a post on social media.

    He added, “The hypocrisy stem from the fact that, Samson Lardy and his likes, made all the noise, and publicly crucified Waterville BVI and Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome, because a certain CAN 2008 Contract between Government of Ghana and Waterville BVI was not sent to Parliament for Approval.”

    Between 2017 and 2020, the Akufo-Addo government pursued Alfred Agbesi Woyome for the refund of a Gh¢51 million judgment debt paid to him by the State over the abrogation of a contract with Waterville BVI, a construction company. Woyome had provided financial engineering services for Waterville, which had won a contract to build stadia for Ghana to host the CAN 2008 football tournament.

    The government’s pursuit of Woyome was based on a 2014 Supreme Court judgment that declared him not entitled to the money because the Waterville contract, through which he claimed payment for his services, was illegal as it had not been approved by Parliament.

    In his defense, Woyome and his legal team argued that the responsibility for seeking parliamentary approval lay with the government and not with him or Waterville. However, the court dismissed this argument.

    Regarding the recent controversy over the revenue assurance contract awarded to Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), which reportedly has connections to individuals within the government, lawyer Sampson Lardy Anyenini commented that SML should not be blamed for the lack of parliamentary approval for the contract.

    “How come Samson Lardy Anyenini believe and blame Waterville/Woyome for not seeking Parliamentary Approval, but accepts that SML cannot be faulted or blamed for their contract not going to Parliament for Approval?” Mr. Woyome asked.

    According to him, “It was on the basis of the said void contract (as determined by the Supreme Court) that the Supreme Court ordered Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome to the State even though he was in no form of shape linked to the 2006 Contract between GoG and Waterville BVI. In fact, Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome’s claim for which he got a default judgment was for services he rendered to GoG in 2005, and NOTHING in relation to the supppsed 2006 Contract.”

  • Contract must be cancelled, monies paid for half-work done must be refunded – Manasseh over KPMG report on GRA/SML deal

    Contract must be cancelled, monies paid for half-work done must be refunded – Manasseh over KPMG report on GRA/SML deal

    Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has urged for a comprehensive investigation into the revenue mobilisation agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    In his statement, the Editor of The Fourth Estate emphasized that despite President Nana Akufo-Addo’s suspension of the contract for a thorough review, it should ultimately be canceled.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo had directed KPMG to audit the GRA-SML contract on January 2, 2024.

    Following the submission of the audit report, the Presidency issued a press release on Wednesday, April 24, stating, “Given that the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services could prevent significant revenue leakages, the President has directed that the Ministry and GRA conduct a comprehensive technical needs assessment, value-for-money assessment, and stakeholder engagements before implementing such services.”

    Manasseh Azure Awuni expressed disagreement with the President’s directive during his appearance on Citi FM.

    “I expect this contract to be cancelled, and it is not something that should continue because it is not in the interest of the public.

    “So, what has been recommended for termination and even the existing downstream one, they both have to be cancelled, and further investigations conducted for monies to be retrieved because they kept saying they [SML] did partial fulfilment of the contract terms, and I don’t think we can pay somebody fully, and they will give us partial results,” he remarked to Selorm Adonoo.

    Manasseh Azure Awuni also insisted that “some persons should be made to face the law. The former MASLOC boss [Sedina Tamakloe Attionu] has been jailed, and what has sent her to jail is a tiny fraction of what has been wasted in this SML scandal.”

  • NPA does not offer the services we provide – SML

    NPA does not offer the services we provide – SML

    The head of Support Management at Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), Serwaa Sarpong, has emphasized that the company’s work for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is unique and not duplicated by any other state institution, contrary to claims by some Ghanaians.

    During an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile program on Saturday, April 27, Madam Sarpong highlighted that their work is making a real difference in the country, leading to increased monitoring and detection of under-declaration by some individuals within the sector.

    She stressed that SML’s efforts should be commended instead of being criticized, and expressed the company’s commitment to continuing to contribute positively to revenue assurance efforts.

    Madam Sarpong also mentioned that the audit report by KPMG has vindicated their work, affirming its legitimacy and effectiveness. She urged recognition of their contributions, stating that the services provided by SML are vital for enhancing revenue collection and ensuring compliance within the sector.

    “SML’s solution is one of It’s kind and not a generic solution that you can go to the market and buy. We have heard people say that you are deploying meters and meters can be bought and yes, one can buy meters, but it is what you are able to do with the meters that matters and the benefits they bring are what makes the difference. So the assertions that NPA is doing the same thing is not true and should be disregarded,” she said.

    KPMG, a renowned auditing firm, has finalized and submitted its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

    The audit was launched by the President on January 2, 2024, following an exposé by the Fourth Estate. Originally scheduled for completion by January 16, 2024, the deadline was extended to February 23, 2024, due to certain circumstances.

    According to the audit findings, SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778 since 2018 while only partially fulfilling its obligations under the contract.

    However, SML has contested this conclusion, arguing that the report as a whole justifies the contract.

  • Contracts were awarded illegally, gov’t hiding more shady deals in GRA/SML contract – Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy 

    Contracts were awarded illegally, gov’t hiding more shady deals in GRA/SML contract – Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy 

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) known for his roles as a physician, author, and politician, Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has raised concerns about the potential government concealment of details regarding the contract between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    Dr. Kennedy suspects that the lack of transparency surrounding the contract is meant to hide any illegalities and negative impacts it may have on the Ghanaian people.

    He argues that regardless of any perceived benefits, the contract should be considered invalid due to its alleged illegal signing.

    During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 26, Dr. Kennedy called on the government to release the full KPMG audit report on the contract to the public. He believes that this transparency would help Ghanaians understand the issues at hand and how the state has been affected.

    Emphasizing the importance of transparency in governance, especially concerning public funds and contracts, Dr. Kennedy urged the government to prioritize accountability and provide the necessary information to the public. This, he said, would ensure that citizens are informed about decisions that directly impact them.

    Dr. Kennedy reiterated the need for openness and urged the government to address any irregularities in the SML-GRA contract for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

    “It appears that the government is trying to hide something. The fundamentals of this are clear and the contracts were awarded illegally and regardless what benefits have been accrued, it begs the question of why, regardless of the official disapproval, people went round the processes and awarded the contract.”

    “Of course, a contract can be awarded improperly to somebody who might deliver some benefits when for example the terms of the contract were inimical to the public interest. And I think that the best thing the government can do is actually to release the KPMG report so that the public can we review that,” he said.

    KPMG, a reputable auditing firm, has completed and presented its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

    The audit was initiated by the President on January 2, 2024, following an expose by the 4th Estate. Initially scheduled to be concluded by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the deadline was extended to Friday, February 23, 2024.

    According to the audit findings, SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 since 2018 while fulfilling its obligations partially. SML has challenged this finding, claiming that the report, in general, justifies the contract.

  • SML sues MFWA in place of The Fourth Estate after court throws out defamation suit

    SML sues MFWA in place of The Fourth Estate after court throws out defamation suit

    An Accra High Court has granted Strategic Mobilisation Limited‘s (SML) application to include the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in the lawsuit instead of The Fourth Estate.

    This is after the court dismissed the case filed by SML against The Fourth Estate, a news portal, regarding what SML claimed were “defamatory and reckless” reports about its contracts with the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    Presided over by Justice John Eugene Nyante Nyadu, the court not only threw out the case but also awarded a cost of GHS1,000 against SML.

    This decision was based on SML’s failure to conduct due diligence on the legal status of The Fourth Estate before initiating legal action and citing the investigative journalism project as a First Defendant in the case.

    The legal action by SML against The Fourth Estate and its former Editor-In-Chief, Manasseh Azure Awuni, was initiated in February 2024 following the publication of an investigative report.

    The report exposed how SML, an offshoot of a timber company, had allegedly made false claims about potential revenue losses it had helped the state to avoid.

    It also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the signing of the contract and its rationale, as the services SML was contracted to provide were allegedly already being performed by other state agencies.

    In response to the case, lawyers for the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), led by Samson Lardy Anyenini, filed a motion on March 12, 2024, asking the court to dismiss the SML case against The Fourth Estate as First Defendant. They argued that The Fourth Estate is simply an investigative journalism project of the MFWA and not a legal entity.

    “That the applicant [The Fourth Estate] is neither a natural nor artificial legal person [company] capable of suing and being sued, being a project under the MFWA’s Media and Good Governance Programme,” lawyers for the MFWA argued.

    The Fourth Estate is a non-profit, public-interest journalism project of the MFWA and not a company.

    However, lawyers representing SML contested this. On March 26, 2024, during a court appearance by MFWA’s lawyers to challenge the application, SML’s legal team claimed they had conducted a search at the Office of Registrar of Companies to prove that The Fourth Estate was a legal entity capable of being sued.

    As a result, SML requested more time to produce the search results and file an affidavit in opposition, which would outline reasons why The Fourth Estate’s motion should not be granted.

    Despite filing the affidavit, SML failed to serve the defendants with the document. Eventually, SML withdrew their affidavit in opposition on Tuesday.

    MFWA’s lawyers argued their motion, and the court upheld it, setting aside the suit and ruling that SML could not sue The Fourth Estate.

  • High Court throws out SML’s defamation case against The Fourth Estate

    High Court throws out SML’s defamation case against The Fourth Estate

    An Accra High Court has dismissed the case filed by Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) against The Fourth Estate, a news portal, regarding what SML claimed were “defamatory and reckless” reports about its contracts with the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    Presided over by Justice John Eugene Nyante Nyadu, the court not only threw out the case but also awarded a cost of GHS1,000 against SML.

    This decision was based on SML’s failure to conduct due diligence on the legal status of The Fourth Estate before initiating legal action and citing the investigative journalism project as a First Defendant in the case.

    The legal action by SML against The Fourth Estate and its former Editor-In-Chief, Manasseh Azure Awuni, was initiated in February 2024 following the publication of an investigative report.

    The report exposed how SML, an offshoot of a timber company, had allegedly made false claims about potential revenue losses it had helped the state to avoid.

    It also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the signing of the contract and its rationale, as the services SML was contracted to provide were allegedly already being performed by other state agencies.

    In response to the case, lawyers for the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), led by Samson Lardy Anyenini, filed a motion on March 12, 2024, asking the court to dismiss the SML case against The Fourth Estate as First Defendant. They argued that The Fourth Estate is simply an investigative journalism project of the MFWA and not a legal entity.

    “That the applicant [The Fourth Estate] is neither a natural nor artificial legal person [company] capable of suing and being sued, being a project under the MFWA’s Media and Good Governance Programme,” lawyers for the MFWA argued.

    The Fourth Estate is a non-profit, public interest journalism project of the MFWA and not a company.

    However, lawyers representing SML contested this. On March 26, 2024, during a court appearance by MFWA’s lawyers to challenge the application, SML’s legal team claimed they had conducted a search at the Office of Registrar of Companies to prove that The Fourth Estate was a legal entity capable of being sued.

    As a result, SML requested more time to produce the search results and file an affidavit in opposition, which would outline reasons why The Fourth Estate’s motion should not be granted.

    Despite filing the affidavit, SML failed to serve the defendants with the document. Eventually, SML withdrew their affidavit in opposition on Tuesday.

    MFWA’s lawyers argued their motion, and the court upheld it, setting aside the suit and ruling that SML could not sue The Fourth Estate.

    Furthermore, the court granted SML’s application to include MFWA in the lawsuit instead of The Fourth Estate.

  • MFWA invokes RTI to demand KPMG audit report on GRA/SML contract

    MFWA invokes RTI to demand KPMG audit report on GRA/SML contract

    The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has submitted a Right to Information (RTI) application to the Presidency, requesting the full KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilisation agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    KPMG, the auditing firm, has completed and presented its report on the GRA-SML contract to President Akufo-Addo.

    The President commissioned KPMG to audit the contract between the two organizations on January 2, 2024. The audit deadline was extended from the original date of January 16, 2024, to February 23, 2024.

    The audit revealed that SML had received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date while partially fulfilling its obligations. However, the report indicated that SML’s work had increased revenue in the downstream petroleum sector.

    SML has disputed the claim that it received GH¢1,061,054,778.00 for its revenue mobilisation contract with the GRA, arguing that KPMG cited the figure “without reference to the investments made and the taxes paid” during the review period.

    Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, stated that the foundation had filed an RTI request with the presidency for the complete KPMG Audit Report. He expressed hope that the president would comply with the law and release the report.

    “Yesterday, we submitted a formal RTI Request to the Office of the President for a copy of the full KPMG Audit Report. We hope that the President will respect the law and release the report to us,” he stated.

    Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has questioned President Akufo-Addo’s remarks regarding the KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilisation deal between the GRA and SML.

    In an opinion piece, Simons suggested that it would be beneficial for the President to acknowledge the irregularities in the awarding of the SML contracts, particularly in light of the observations made in the Presidency’s press statement about the audit.

    Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has also dismissed the KPMG report on the GRA-SML contract as a ‘whitewash’.

    He argued that the auditing firm’s close relationship with the GRA compromises its ability to conduct an unbiased and objective evaluation.

    In an interview on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Kpebu indicated that KPMG’s ties with the GRA suggest a conflict of interest.

    “This KPMG report is not up to scratch, it’s just a whitewash. they haven’t done any good job at all…from day one, the writing was on the wall that KPMG was not up to the task because they couldn’t be independent enough. They have relations with GRA” he stated.

  • SML confirms unpaid $100m according to KPMG Report

    SML confirms unpaid $100m according to KPMG Report

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has clarified that the audit assurance report by KPMG confirmed the non-receipt of a $100 million payment from the government.

    According to the company, the KPMG report vindicated them after The Fourth Estate’s expose.

    Issuing a press statement on Thursday, April 25, SML reiterated its dedication to Ghana’s development, pledging to uphold ethical standards and maintain work quality.

    In response to President Akufo-Addo’s directive for the review of their revenue assurance contract, SML outlined its position in another press release.

    The company stressed its commitment to a better Ghana and emphasized ethical conduct and operational excellence.

    SML informed that its legal team will address other professional misjudgments highlighted in the KPMG report.

    Regarding concerns about overlapping responsibilities with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), SML clarified its non-involvement in such practices.

  • We have not received GHS1bn from GRA – SML

    We have not received GHS1bn from GRA – SML


    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) has refuted claims that it received GH¢1,061,054,778.00 as compensation for its revenue mobilisation contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    Following President Akufo-Addo’s directive on January 2 for an audit of the GRA-SML contract by KPMG, the audit report revealed that SML was paid a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.

    However, SML has denied these assertions, contending that KPMG’s quoted figure does not consider the investments made and taxes paid during the reviewed period.

    In a statement, the SML stated “KPMG quotes a figure as compensation to SML. It is interesting to note that this figure is quoted without reference to the investments made and the taxes paid by SML over the period within the consolidated contract.

    “The compensation of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 stated by KPMG is inaccurate.”

    “impression of the relationship between the compensation and the investment and other related costs.”

    “SML finds that KPMG’s failure to state GRA taxes of 31.5% taken before payment, interest payments of 32% plus the investment repayment made by SML, and other taxes/duties over the period creates a very unbalanced impression of the relationship between the compensation and the investment and other related costs. This omission is highly misleading.”

  • KPMG audit report proves we haven’t been paid $100m by GRA – SML

    KPMG audit report proves we haven’t been paid $100m by GRA – SML

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has highlighted that the audit assurance report by KPMG confirmed that it has not received a payment of $100 million from the government.

    The company emphasized that the KPMG report, as communicated through a press statement released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, exonerated their position following the expose by The Fourth Estate.

    In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 25, SML reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to Ghana’s development by adhering to ethically acceptable standards and maintaining the quality of its work.

    The company emphasized its dedication to assisting in building a better Ghana for all citizens and stressed its commitment to ethical practices and maintaining high standards in its operations.

    Moreover, SML mentioned that it has instructed its legal team to address other professional misjudgments identified in the KPMG report.

    Following President Akufo-Addo’s directive on January 2 for an audit of the GRA-SML contract by KPMG, the audit report revealed that SML was paid a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.

    But Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) has refuted claims that it received GH¢1,061,054,778.00 as compensation for its revenue mobilisation contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    Regarding concerns about potential duplication of work by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), SML clarified that it is not engaged in such practices.

  • SML welcomes Akufo-Addo’s decision; company to probe KPMG’s “professional misjudgments”

    SML welcomes Akufo-Addo’s decision; company to probe KPMG’s “professional misjudgments”

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), in response to KPMG’s audit report on its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to Ghana’s development by adhering to ethically acceptable standards and maintaining the quality of its work.

    SML issued a press statement on Thursday, April 25, outlining its position in response to President Akufo-Addo’s directive for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance to review aspects of their revenue assurance contract following the KPMG audit report.

    The President emphasized that the renegotiation should be closely monitored and evaluated periodically to ensure it meets expectations.

    This directive was communicated through a press statement released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin.

    SML stated that it remains dedicated to assisting in building a better Ghana for all citizens. The company emphasized its commitment to ethical practices and assured that it would uphold high standards while carrying out its duties.

    Addressing concerns raised by the President and the public, SML highlighted its commitment to following due process in the review initiated by the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.

    Additionally, SML clarified that the audit conducted by KPMG revealed that the company had not received a speculated $100 million payment, refuting claims circulated in the media.

    “SML is fully committed and confident in its efforts to ethically contribute to building a better Ghana for present and future generations while adhering to high ethical standards. We have instructed our lawyers to examine some of KPMG’s professional misjudgments and their extension into the other unfavourable positions of the government.”

    “In the final analysis, it is ennobling that both KPMG and the government did not jettison this Ghanaian undertaking of high international standards in the plugging of revenue loopholes for national development,” an excerpt of the statement said.

  • Increase in tax or petrol sales not due to SML – Bright Simons

    Increase in tax or petrol sales not due to SML – Bright Simons

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has expressed concerns regarding President Akufo-Addo’s comments on the audit report conducted by KPMG on the revenue mobilisation transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

    Per the audit report, the collaboration between the GRA and SML resulted in the government earning GHC2.45 billion from the downstream petroleum sector.

    In reaction, Mr Simons disputed “their claim that any increase in petroleum consumption should be attributed to SML.”

    “We demand an open forum to show that the weight of expert opinion in Ghana is against any such claim,” he added.

    Mr Simons stressed the significance of the President acknowledging the infractions in awarding the SML contracts, particularly in light of the observations made in the press statement issued by the Presidency concerning the audit.

    He further called for the President to make the full audit report by KPMG public.

    “We insist on seeing the full KPMG report.”

    President Akufo-Addo endorsed KPMG’s recommendation to discontinue the upstream petroleum and minerals audit services previously provided to the GRA by SML, as communicated by Eugene Arhin, the Communications Director at the Presidency, in a press statement on Wednesday, April 24.

    The statement also revealed that SML received a total payment of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.

  • Publish full report by KPMG on GRA-SML contract – Bright Simons tells Akufo-Addo

    Publish full report by KPMG on GRA-SML contract – Bright Simons tells Akufo-Addo

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has expressed concerns regarding President Akufo-Addo’s comments on the audit report conducted by KPMG on the revenue mobilisation transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

    Mr Simons stressed the significance of the President acknowledging the infractions in awarding the SML contracts, particularly in light of the observations made in the press statement issued by the Presidency concerning the audit.

    He further called for the President to make the full audit report by KPMG public.

    “We insist on seeing the full KPMG report.”

    Per the audit report, the collaboration between the GRA and SML resulted in the government earning GHC2.45 billion from the downstream petroleum sector.

    In reaction, Mr Simons disputed “their claim that any increase in petroleum consumption should be attributed to SML.”

    “We demand an open forum to show that the weight of expert opinion in Ghana is against any such claim,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo endorsed KPMG’s recommendation to discontinue the upstream petroleum and minerals audit services previously provided to the GRA by SML, as communicated by Eugene Arhin, the Communications Director at the Presidency, in a press statement on Wednesday, April 24.

    The statement also revealed that SML received a total payment of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.

  • GRA’s contracts with SML lack Parliamentary approval – KPMG audit report

    GRA’s contracts with SML lack Parliamentary approval – KPMG audit report

    KPMG’s audit report on the contract signed between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) reveals that multi-year contracts lack parliamentary approval.

    According to the KPMG report released by Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, GRA engaged SML for various services, including transaction audit services, external price verification, and downstream petroleum audits, without parliamentary approval.

    Under section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), multi-year contracts must have ministerial and parliamentary approval.

    However, there is no evidence that the 2018 and 2019 contracts with SML were submitted to the GRA Board for discussion and approval, as required by the GRA Act, Corporate Governance Manual for Governing Boards/Councils of the Public Services, and sound corporate governance practices.

    The GRA Board did approve the extension of SML’s services to cover auditing of the upstream petroleum and minerals sectors, as specified in the 2023 Contract, which also lacked parliamentary approval for the period stated in the information above.

    The lack of parliamentary approval for these contracts raises concerns about the oversight and accountability of GRA’s contracting processes.

  • GRA yet to see documents on investments made by SML in downstream petroleum sector since 2018 – KPMG

    GRA yet to see documents on investments made by SML in downstream petroleum sector since 2018 – KPMG

    An audit report from KPMG on the contracts signed between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) shows that there is not full transparency on the part of the latter.

    According to KPMG, SML did not provide GRA supporting documents or relevant information to verify the investment it has made in the contracts signed from 2018 to 2023.

    KPMG made this known when it revealed that the government would be liable to pay Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) a return on investment equivalent to the fair value of SML’s investment in its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) should it terminate its contract without cause.

    According to KPMG in its audit report on the contract between GRA and SML, the total investment value in the contracts for the transaction audit, external price verification services, and downstream petroleum audit services amounts to US$44,044,180.00.

    The total investment value in the contract for the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services amounts to US$133,486,722.51.

    Therefore, the total investment value for all the services provided by SML to GRA amounts to US$177,530,902.51.

    However, “SML had yet to implement the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services, and therefore, there could be no assessment as to whether GRA would derive value or benefit from that service.”

    Should the government decide to terminate the contract, KPMG recommended that GRA verify the investment of any of the services that were provided by SML.

    Regarding the downstream petroleum audit services, KPMG determined that there was an incremental volume of 1.7 billion litres and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review. 

    “There were also qualitative benefits, including a 24/7electronic real-time monitoring of the outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters,” the report added.

    The downstream petroleum sector refers to the final stage in the petroleum industry, where refined petroleum products are distributed and sold to consumers. This sector includes activities such as refining, storage, transportation, and marketing of petroleum products. Examples of downstream activities include operating refineries, distributing fuels to gas stations, and selling petroleum products to end-users like consumers and businesses.

    The upstream petroleum sector is the initial stage of the petroleum industry, which involves exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil and natural gas. This sector focuses on locating and extracting crude oil and natural gas from underground reserves. Activities in the upstream sector include geological surveys, drilling exploratory wells, and operating oil and gas production facilities. The products extracted in the upstream sector are then processed and refined in the downstream sector for distribution and sale to consumers.

    Meanwhile, as part of his recommendations, President Akufo-Addo has directed that the fee structure under the contract be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure.

    This change is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the collaboration between GRA and SML, ensuring that the government receives value for money.

    “…it is important to review the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure. Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing this service, the President has directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure. Other provisions of the contract worth reviewing include clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations,” the report from the Presidency added.

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo.

  • Gov’t to pay SML over $44 million if it cancels contract with GRA

    Gov’t to pay SML over $44 million if it cancels contract with GRA

    The government would be liable to pay Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) a return on investment equivalent to the fair value of SML’s investment in its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) should it terminate its contract without cause.

    According to KPMG in its audit report on the contract between GRA and SML, the total investment value in the contracts for the transaction audit, external price verification services, and downstream petroleum audit services amounts to US$44,044,180.00.

    The total investment value in the contract for the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services amounts to US$133,486,722.51.

    Therefore, the total investment value for all the services provided by SML to GRA amounts to US$177,530,902.51.

    However, “SML had yet to implement the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services, and therefore, there could be no assessment as to whether GRA would derive value or benefit from that service.”

    Regarding the downstream petroleum audit services, KPMG determined that there was an incremental volume of 1.7 billion litres and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review. 

    “There were also qualitative benefits, including a 24/7electronic real-time monitoring of the outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters,” the report added.

    The downstream petroleum sector refers to the final stage in the petroleum industry, where refined petroleum products are distributed and sold to consumers. This sector includes activities such as refining, storage, transportation, and marketing of petroleum products. Examples of downstream activities include operating refineries, distributing fuels to gas stations, and selling petroleum products to end-users like consumers and businesses.

    The upstream petroleum sector is the initial stage of the petroleum industry, which involves exploration, drilling, and production of crude oil and natural gas. This sector focuses on locating and extracting crude oil and natural gas from underground reserves. Activities in the upstream sector include geological surveys, drilling exploratory wells, and operating oil and gas production facilities. The products extracted in the upstream sector are then processed and refined in the downstream sector for distribution and sale to consumers.

    Also, it is important to note that SML did not provide supporting documents or relevant information to verify the investment it has made, per the KPMG audit report shared by President Akufo-Addo in a statement dated April 24.

    Should the government decide to terminate the contract, KPMG recommended that GRA verify the investment of any of the services that were provided.

    Meanwhile, as part of his recommendations, President Akufo-Addo has directed that the fee structure under the contract be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure.

    This change is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the collaboration between GRA and SML, ensuring that the government receives value for money.

    “…it is important to review the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure. Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing this service, the President has directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure. Other provisions of the contract worth reviewing include clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations,” the report from the Presidency added.

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo.

  • GRA-SML contract generated GHC2.45bn revenue for gov’t – KPMG

    GRA-SML contract generated GHC2.45bn revenue for gov’t – KPMG

    The KPMG audit report on the contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), highlighted by President Akufo-Addo, shows the successful collaboration between the two companies.

    Per the audit report, the collaboration resulted in the government earning GHC2.45 billion from the downstream petroleum sector.

    “Regarding the downstream petroleum audit services, KPMG determined that there was an incremental volume of  1.7 billion litres and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review. 

    “There were also qualitative benefits, including a 24/7electronic real-time monitoring of the outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters.”

    KPMG also confirmed that SML received from the government a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present date when President Akufo-Addo called for the suspension of the contract.

    The president took action in January by appointing KPMG to conduct an immediate audit of the transaction between GRA and SML after a documentary by the Fourth Estate raised concerns about SML allegedly benefiting from the state without performing any work.

    The contract, initiated by the Ministry of Finance, aimed to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.

    As part of his recommendations, President Akufo-Addo has directed that the fee structure under the contract be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure.

    This change is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the collaboration between GRA and SML, ensuring that the government receives value for money.

    “…it is important to review the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure. Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing this service, the President has directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure. Other provisions of the contract worth reviewing include clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations,” the report from the Presidency added.

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo.

  • SML partially delivered service requirements due to GRA’s lack of monitoring and evaluation processes – KPMG

    SML partially delivered service requirements due to GRA’s lack of monitoring and evaluation processes – KPMG

    A recent report by KPMG has shed light on the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) failure to effectively monitor and evaluate services provided by Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), leading to partial delivery of service requirements.

    The report released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, highlights GRA’s lack of processes to assess the performance of services and hold both its personnel and SML accountable for non-performance.

    The investigation found that GRA engaged SML for transaction audit services without obtaining approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) three times between June 2017 and September 2017. Despite the lack of approval, GRA proceeded to engage SML as a subcontractor to West Blue, eventually taking over services from West Blue when their contract ended in December 2018.

    Regarding external price verification services, KPMG determined that SML partially delivered on the service requirements.

    “This is also partly due to GRA’s lack of instituting monitoring and evaluation processes toassess the performance of the service and hold its personnel and SML accountable for non-performance,” a portion of the statement by President Akufo-Addo on KPMG’s audit report read.

    In the downstream petroleum audit services, KPMG, however, found an incremental volume of 1.7 billion litres and an incremental tax revenue of GHS 2.45 billion for the period under review.

    The services also included 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of outflows and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products, serving as a deterrent for under-declarations. However, SML had yet to implement the upstream petroleum audit and minerals audit services, areas that could potentially have significant revenue leakages.

    KPMG recommended that GRA conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to establish the need for these services.

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo

  • Akufo-Addo orders GRA, Finance Ministry to review fee structure in SML contract

    Akufo-Addo orders GRA, Finance Ministry to review fee structure in SML contract

    President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance to renegotiate the revenue assurance contract with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    On January 2 of this year, President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to investigate the contract between SML and GRA, following an exposé by the Fourth Estate that suggested the state was losing a significant amount of money.

    The report was delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, as announced in a Facebook post by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on Wednesday, April 3.

    President Akufo-Addo has since received the KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilisation contract between GRA and SML.

    The President emphasized that the renegotiation should be closely monitored and evaluated periodically to ensure it meets expectations.

    This directive was communicated through a press statement released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin.

    The decision to renegotiate the contract follows the President’s acceptance of the recommendation by KPMG after its audit into the deal.

    The audit findings prompted the need for a review of the revenue assurance contract, highlighting areas where improvements are necessary to enhance its effectiveness.

    “There is a clear need for the downstream petroleum audit services provided by SML. GRA and the State have benefited from these services since SML commenced providing them. There has been an increase in volumes of 1.7 billion litres and an increase in tax revenue to the State of GHS 2.45 billion. KPMG also observed that there were qualitative benefits, including a 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters and six levels of reconciliation done by SML.”

    “This minimises the occurrence of under-declarations. However, it is important to review the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure. Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing this service, the President has directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure. Other provisions of the contract worth reviewing include clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations.”

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo

  • GRA failed to obtain PPA approval for a 2-year contract with SML – KPMG

    GRA failed to obtain PPA approval for a 2-year contract with SML – KPMG

    President Akufo-Addo has made public the audit report by KPMG on the contract signed between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

    The report released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, finds the GRA guilty of failing to obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    According to a report by KPMG, GRA sought approval from PPA three times between June 2017 and September 2017 to engage SML for transaction audit services, but approval was not granted.

    Despite this, GRA proceeded to engage SML as a subcontractor to West Blue, eventually taking over services from West Blue when their contract ended in December 2018.

    Furthermore, GRA added external price verification to the services offered by SML and signed a downstream petroleum audit agreement with SML, all without PPA approval.

    It was not until August 27, 2020, under new leadership at GRA, that PPA ratified the procurement processes used to engage SML. This raises questions about GRA’s adherence to procurement regulations and the oversight of its contracting processes.

    The lack of PPA approval for these contracts highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in GRA’s procurement practices.

    It is essential for public institutions to follow due process and obtain the necessary approvals to ensure the integrity of the procurement process and the prudent use of public funds.

    Below is the full report by President Akufo-Addo

  • Don’t hoard KPMG report on SML-GRA contract – Domelevo tells Akufo-Addo

    Don’t hoard KPMG report on SML-GRA contract – Domelevo tells Akufo-Addo

    Former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, has called on President Akufo-Addo to promptly release the KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilisation contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Domelevo stressed that the report, which was commissioned using state funds, belongs to the Ghanaian people and should be made public without delay.

    He urged the President to prioritize accountability to the people of Ghana over any attempts to shield wrongdoing within his government.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, April 8, Domelevo urged President Akufo-Addo to release the report to the public without any attempts to cover up its findings.

    He warned that further delays in releasing the report could lead to negative perceptions about the Presidency among the public.

    “What I expected was that immediately the report was ready, it should be made public because the accountability is not to the President but to the people of Ghana. The money is people’s funds. So anytime those reports are ready, they must be put in the public.”

    On January 2 of this year, President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to investigate the contract between SML and GRA following an exposé by the Fourth Estate.

    President Akufo-Addo has since received the KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilisation contract between GRA and SML. The report was delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, as announced in a Facebook post by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on Wednesday, April 3.

    Mr. Arhin further mentioned that President Akufo-Addo is currently reviewing the findings of the audit report and will communicate his decisions to the Ghanaian public in due course.

    Subsequently, some Ghanaians have demanded the immediate release of the report. However, Private Legal Practitioner, Mr. Martin Kpebu, has urged Ghanaians to grant the Presidency ample time to release the KPMG report, emphasizing that this approach would ensure that all individuals mentioned in the report have the opportunity to respond appropriately.

  • Atta Akyea ‘clears’ SML ahead of Akufo-Addo’s decision on ‘GRA-SML GHC1bn scandal’

    Atta Akyea ‘clears’ SML ahead of Akufo-Addo’s decision on ‘GRA-SML GHC1bn scandal’

    Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has garnered praise from Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairperson of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, subsequent to a committee visit to SML’s premises in Tema.

    Mr. Atta Akyea commended the establishment of the revenue audit firm as “world-class” and encouraged other stakeholders to visit the facility to assess the company’s impact on revenue mobilization in the country.

    The company has been under scrutiny regarding the necessity, cost, and duration of its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance services in the petroleum and mineral sectors, sparked by the documentary ‘The GH¢ 3 Billion Lie’ produced by media entity The Fourth Estate.

    In response, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo directed advisory firm KPMG to conduct an audit of the contract.

    Mr. Atta Akyea, refraining from prejudicing the case, outlined the committee’s objective during their visit to SML:“We came here to familiarise ourselves with this matter… We want the President to complete his side and we will engage them; but I believe, so far, that this is a world-class set-up”.

    “We will not delve into the financials just yet because that is what KPMG is investigating… If you look at what they have here and they say this is a Ghanaian initiative, then we should give them a standing ovation. But if there is any impropriety, it will come to light later,” he remarked.

    Mr. Atta Akyea voiced contentment with the technological expertise demonstrated by SML and indicated that the figures reported by the GRA emphasized the importance of SML in the country’s revenue mobilization structure.

    Recent data from the tax authority indicated a noteworthy correlation between the substantial increase of GH¢12.9 billion from the petroleum sector and the commencement of the revenue assurance contract in December 2019, with formal operations commencing in June 2020.

    Nevertheless, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee expressed disapproval of individuals who are discussing the sensitive issue and drawing conclusions without sufficient information.

    “What I hate is to try to do propaganda when you do not have the facts, and that is what some people are doing. Some do not have any clue as to what the company is doing, yet they have come to a conclusion already and for me, that is very sad. You do not run a nation this way, especially when there is a Ghanaian initiative,” he stated.

    He expressed the belief that more participation will be seen from across both sides of the parliamentary divide in addressing any outstanding issues.

    Employing the analogy of a kitchen, Director, Support Services – SML Ghana, Dr. Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, said there is enough evidence to show engagements with regulatory bodies. “The petroleum sector is a heavily regulated one and just as no one can just walk into your kitchen to cook, there is no way we could have started operations without the go ahead from all the key players,” she said.

    She was also confident that the next few weeks will not only vindicate SML, but further deepen appreciation for its intervention.

    Background

    In a December 2023 investigative report, The Fourth Estate alleged irregularities in a purported 10-year contract between SML, GRA and the Ministry of Finance, with an annual payment of US$100million.

    SML swiftly denied the claim, asserting that their contract duration with GRA was five years, not ten as alleged. The GRA, in a statement on December 20, 2023, corroborated SML’s stance, stating that proper procurement procedures were followed.

    Following sustained public discourse, on January 3, 2024, SML welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s directive to suspend its ongoing revenue assurance operations and undergo an audit of its contracts with GRA and the Ministry of Finance. President Akufo-Addo appointed KPMG, an esteemed audit, tax and advisory services firm, to conduct an immediate audit. However, the President extended the audit time-frame following a request from KPMG.

    Despite this, SML expressed confidence that the audit would provide a transparent and accurate depiction of its operations.

    The company has since filed a suit against The Fourth Estate, GH¢10million in damages, comprising GH¢1million for general damages for defamation and GH¢9million for exemplary damages due to the alleged reckless and malicious nature of the defendants’ reporting.

    Additionally, SML is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from publishing further defamatory material and a retraction and apology with the same coverage, means and prominence as the original publications.

  • Akufo-Addo is studying findings of KPMG audit report on GRA/SML deal – Eugene Arhin

    Akufo-Addo is studying findings of KPMG audit report on GRA/SML deal – Eugene Arhin

    President Akufo-Addo is poised to reveal his stance on the controversial revenue mobilisation contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, disclosed that President Akufo-Addo has received the audit report conducted by KPMG on the contract.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 3, Mr. Arhin announced that the report was delivered to the President on Wednesday, March 27. President Akufo-Addo is currently scrutinizing the report’s findings before communicating his decision to the public.

    “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, received from KPMG its report on the audit conducted, at the behest of the President, on the transactions between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).”

    “President Akufo-Addo is studying the findings of the audit report, and will, in due course, make his decisions known to the Ghanaian people.”

    After the audit period ended, calls from various quarters, including Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for the release of the report intensified.

    The delay by President Akufo-Addo in addressing the report has raised suspicions of an intentional effort to conceal what critics describe as a “questionable” deal.

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking on behalf of the Minority, expressed determination not to allow any attempt to cover up the issue. He affirmed their commitment to ensuring that Parliament promptly investigates the matter.

    A report by the Fourth Estate alleged irregularities in a multi-million dollar contract awarded to SML by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Despite the allegations, both the GRA and SML vehemently deny any wrongdoing.

    In response to the accusations, SML has taken legal action against the Fourth Estate, alleging defamation.

    Following concerns raised regarding the contract between the GRA and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), President Akufo-Addo directed KPMG to conduct an audit into the matter.