Samuel Atta Akyea, the chairman of Parliament's Mines and Energy Committee, is facing scrutiny for his recent actions surrounding the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract. Atta Akyea led a delegation of Parliamentarians and journalists to SML's premises, cautioning against quick judgments on the contract's integrity and dismissing allegations of impropriety as mere propaganda.
The contract, brokered by ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has come under increasing scrutiny, prompting Parliament's Finance Committee to suspend payments pending a probe. Atta Akyea's public support for SML, coupled with familial ties to key figures involved, has raised questions about impartiality.
This isn't the first time Atta Akyea has been embroiled in such controversies. Last year, he spearheaded an investigation into the GNPC-Genser Energy Ghana Limited deal, claiming it saved Ghana $1.5 billion, despite opposition from civil society groups.
Atta Akyea's defence of SML echoes his stance on the GNPC-Genser deal, drawing criticism for potential bias and premature conclusions. However, SML maintains its innocence, citing significant revenue increases since the contract's inception.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Ghana's governance and the need for thorough investigations to ensure public trust. As the KPMG audit results loom, stakeholders await further clarity on the GRA-SML contract's implications and potential ramifications.