Akufo-Addo Rejects GRA Request For Resumption Of SML Operation 

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has rejected a request by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to operationalize the contract performance of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) in the course of an audit by KMPG.

In a press statement, the Jubilee House insisted that the performance of the contract should remain suspended.

“President Akufo-Addo has also taken note of the request made by GRA, asking for his permission to allow the monitoring system installed and used by SML to continue, notwithstanding the suspension of its GRA-related operations.

“The President has denied GRA’s request, and has directed that the status quo, with respect to the suspension of the performance of the contract, should remain in effect until the completion of the audit and, subsequent, submission of the audit report by KPMG,” the statement dated January 24 said.

Background

The President directed the suspension of the contract for revenue assurance between the GRA and SML earlier this month over alleged corruption to make way for an audit.

In a letter dated January 16, the GRA conveyed the concern of SML about the suspension of the contract and confirmed the suspension would lead to revenue losses.

The Director-General of the GRA, Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, therefore requested a withdrawal of the suspension ahead of the conclusion of the audit.

“We can confirm that the suspension to all intents and purposes will lead to revenue losses following the suspension. There has been a huge gap in the control system and also the update of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) accounts.”

“Having carefully reviewed the concern and based on our own understanding of the contracts and the deliverable, we are of the opinion that the system that has been installed to enhance revenue assurance, for control purposes, and also to aid with the ongoing investigation could with your kindest permission be allowed to run. The system will continue to record data in real-time until your further directive after the conclusion of the investigation.”