John Jinapor strongly opposes government’s contract with SML, calls it inimical to national interests

John Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament's Mines and Energy Committee, has vehemently opposed the government's 10-year contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), labeling it as ‘inimical' to the nation's interests.

The Finance Ministry, led by Ken Ofori-Atta, granted SML an additional contract worth up to ¢24 million per month, a move that has raised concerns and drawn criticism.

Under the terms of the contract, SML is assigned the responsibility of monitoring and reporting fuel product diversion, dilution, and overall noncompliance in the petroleum industry.

This duty was previously handled by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). An investigative report by the Fourth Estate intensified scrutiny on the contract, prompting Jinapor's opposition.

Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express, Jinapor expressed his concern over the financial burden on Ghanaians, stating, “Somebody is making so much money on the backs of the sweat of Ghanaians.

This contract is inimical. This contract must not stand, and people with a conscience, people who love this country, irrespective of their political color must pick against this contract. It is bad, it is not good, and will not stand the test of time.”

The Yapei-Kusawgu lawmaker linked such controversial contracts to the nation's economic challenges, suggesting that addressing leakages through such deals could help reduce the need for external financial aid, including seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“I feel very sad, and I am asking Ken Ofori-Atta, ‘Why would you do that?' If Ghana were your company, would you sign this deal?” Jinapor questioned.

Jinapor argued that the duty assigned to SML could have been handled by the NPA's internal mechanisms, which have proven to be robust.

In a parallel development, the Special Prosecutor has been petitioned to investigate the Finance Ministry, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited over the questionable $1 billion contract for revenue assurance in the petroleum downstream, upstream, and gold mining sectors.

Manasseh Azure Awuni, Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate, filed the petition, citing concerns about corruption and possible breaches of procurement law.