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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken decisive action in compliance with recent directives from President Akufo-Addo regarding its dealings with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML). The GRA has terminated the Transaction Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML and suspended the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit portions of the contract pending further review.
Additionally, the GRA has decided to amend the Measurement Audit for the Downstream Petroleum Products Contract by revising the fee structure to a fixed fee structure. The Authority also plans to review other provisions such as service delivery expectations, termination, and intellectual property rights.
In a letter titled “Compliance with Presidential Directives on Recommendations in KPMG Report on the Transactions Between GRA and SML,” dated Friday, 3 May 2024, and signed by its Commissioner General, Ms. Julie Essiam, the GRA informed the Managing Director of Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) of these actions.
The GRA’s letter, which was copied to high-ranking officials including the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, Mars Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and the Finance Minister, Mohammed Amin, outlined the directives issued by President Akufo-Addo on 18 April 2024, regarding the contract between the Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Finance, GRA, and SML.
Following the presidential directives, the GRA conducted a thorough review of the relevant contracts and decided on the following actions:
1. Termination of the Transaction Audit and External Verification Services Contract.
2. Amendment of the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract, including a revision of the fee structure to a fixed fee structure, and a review of other provisions such as service delivery expectations, termination, and intellectual property rights.
3. Suspension of the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit portions of the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services pending a comprehensive technical needs assessment, value-for-money assessment, and relevant stakeholder consultations.
These actions come after President Akufo-Addo received the KPMG report on 2 April 2024, following a three-month audit of the GRA-SML deal. The government reviewed the report and issued a press statement adopting the recommendations of KPMG in full, which included a review of the GRA-SML deal.
The GRA’s decisive actions underscore its commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations, as well as its willingness to comply with directives from the highest office in the country. The GRA has assured the public that it will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these directives and the maintenance of integrity in its operations.
