Five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have filed a lawsuit against the Ghanaian government, seeking to recover over GH₵1 billion paid to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML). The NGOs—Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Human Rights and Governance Centre, and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)—are challenging the legality of the payment and demanding accountability for the use of public funds.
The lawsuit follows an audit report by KPMG, commissioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which revealed irregularities in the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML. The audit found that the GRA failed to secure approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and Parliament before signing the contract, which aimed to improve revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.
The NGOs argue that these legal breaches necessitate the recovery of the funds and proper oversight of public contracts. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, emphasized that the lawsuit is about ensuring the proper use of state resources, not personal motives.
“We are saying the laws were not followed, monies have been paid, and those monies must be brought back to the state,” Braimah stated, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to public procurement laws.
