Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has received praise from Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairperson of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, following a visit by the committee to SML’s office in Tema.
Mr. Atta Akyea lauded SML’s setup as “world-class” and encouraged other stakeholders to visit the facility to understand the company’s impact on the country’s revenue mobilization efforts.
The visit comes amidst scrutiny over the necessity, cost, and duration of SML’s contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance services in the petroleum and mineral sectors, triggered by a documentary titled ‘The GH¢ 3 Billion Lie’ produced by media entity, The Fourth Estate.
In response to the concerns raised, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo instructed advisory firm KPMG to conduct an audit of the contract.
Mr. Atta Akyea, while refraining from prejudicing the case, expressed the committee’s objective during their visit to SML. He stated, “We came here to familiarize ourselves with this matter… We want the President to complete his side and we will engage them; but I believe, so far, that this is a world-class set-up.”
He clarified that the committee would reserve judgment on the contract’s propriety until after engaging formally with SML following the release of the KPMG report.
Expressing satisfaction with the technological prowess exhibited by SML, Mr. Atta Akyea suggested that the company’s operations have played a significant role in the nation’s revenue mobilization framework.
Last week, data from the tax authority indicated a notable increase in revenue from the petroleum sector following the implementation of the revenue assurance contract in December 2019.
Mr. Atta Akyea, however, criticized premature conclusions drawn by some individuals lacking sufficient information, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations.
In response to allegations raised in a December 2023 investigative report by The Fourth Estate, SML denied irregularities in its contract and welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s directive to suspend operations pending the audit.
SML remains confident that the audit will provide a transparent and accurate depiction of its operations, while concurrently pursuing legal action against The Fourth Estate for defamation.
The ongoing scrutiny underscores the complexities surrounding SML’s operations and the importance of transparent and accountable practices in the country’s revenue mobilization efforts.