GRA Urges Akufo-Addo to Permit Continuation of SML System During Audit Investigation

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is seeking President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s approval to maintain the operational continuity of the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) system, designed to enhance revenue assurance, until the completion of the ongoing audit.

On January 2, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo suspended the SML and GRA contract, initiating an immediate audit by the audit, tax, and advisory services firm KPMG.

In a letter to the President, GRA Commissioner-General Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah conveyed SML’s concerns about operational disruptions due to the suspension. The GRA urged the President to permit the installed system to run, ensuring real-time data recording for revenue assurance and aiding the investigation.

The GRA acknowledged potential revenue losses resulting from the suspension, emphasizing the impact on control systems and the update of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) accounts. Despite this, they assured the President that the contract remains suspended, with no payments to be made until further directive.

The controversy stems from an investigative report by the Fourth Estate in December 2023, accusing SML, the GRA, and the Ministry of Finance of underhand dealings. SML countered the report, clarifying a 5-year contract duration instead of the alleged 10-year term. The GRA affirmed the proper procurement processes in a statement on December 20, 2023.

On January 3, 2024, SML welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s directive to suspend operations, expressing confidence that the KPMG audit would provide a clear and accurate understanding of its operations.