Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has asserted that the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) is riddled with numerous violations that could lead to prosecution.
He believes that those responsible for the wrongdoing could be jailed since it would be possible for any government to take legal action and recover the funds.
In an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 25, Mr. Azure emphasised that substantial amount of state fund has been inappropriately paid to individuals who did not deserve it.
Read also: SML received GH¢1.4bn from GRA, not the GH¢1bn Akufo-Addo stated – KPMG Report
He stressed the importance of retrieving these funds and redirecting them towards the nation’s development.
Mr. Azure pointed out that the misuse of public funds in this deal has deprived the country of resources that could have been used for its advancement.
He called for accountability and urged the government to take decisive action against those involved in the contract.
“This is a case that has a number of candidates for jail if any government wants to take this up, it is going to be very easy to put people in jail, and it is going to be very easy for us to retrieve hundreds if not billions of cedis paid to people who did not deserve a pesewa,” he stated.
Read also: ‘Stinky SML scandal won’t die’ – Manasseh to Akufo-Addo over refusal to release KPMG report
On Wednesday, May 22, President Akufo-Addo released the KPMG audit report on the controversial contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
The disclosure followed weeks of mounting pressure from Ghanaians, including civil society organizations, who demanded transparency over numerous contract infractions.
The audit findings revealed that SML owes the GRA GH¢31.88 million in unpaid taxes for eight months of service provision.
Read also: KPMG Report reveals SML received GH¢720m from ESLA’s GH¢2.45bn revenue
This debt includes accrued interest, estimated at GH¢18.50 million as of January 31, 2024. All these contracts lacked approval from both the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and Parliament.
Additionally, 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.
The revelations have sparked significant public outrage, with many Ghanaians calling for the immediate cancellation of the deal and the prosecution of those responsible.
