The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is appealing to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to allow the installed system of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) to continue running until the conclusion of the investigation initiated by the President.
The President, on January 2, 2024, suspended the contract between SML and GRA, appointing KPMG to conduct an immediate audit of the transaction following an investigative piece by the Fourth Estate.
In response, GRA is requesting permission for the installed system to run, citing concerns raised by SML about operational ramifications.
In a letter signed by the Commissioner-General, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, GRA stated, “The system will continue to record data in real-time until your further directive after the conclusion of the investigation.”
However, the GRA acknowledged the potential revenue losses due to the suspension, emphasizing that the contract remains suspended with no payment made until further directive from the President.
Background:
The investigative piece by the Fourth Estate in December 2023 implicated SML, GRA, and the Ministry of Finance, accusing GRA of awarding SML a 10-year contract generating $100 million annually. SML denied the 10-year contract duration, claiming a 5-year contract instead.
Following the release of the investigative report, President Akufo-Addo directed SML to suspend its revenue assurance operations and initiated an audit by KPMG to examine the contract with GRA and the Ministry of Finance.
SML welcomed the directive, expressing confidence in the audit to establish a clear and accurate picture of its operations.