Former CEO of Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Senyo Hosi, has found himself at the center of the documentary criticizing the controversial Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) deal.
The allegations were raised during an episode of Good Evening Ghana by the host, Paul Adom Otchere.
During the show, Otchere alleged that Mr Hosi was implicated in the creation of a documentary that seeks to undermine the work of the SML, although he could not substantiate his claim with any evidence.
The SML deal has been a subject of extensive discussions and debates following the Fourth Estate’s documentary dubbed: “The GHS3 billion lie & the billion-dollar contract.”
Background
A new investigative report has revealed irregularities in a multi-million cedi contract awarded by the Ghanaian government, raising concerns about transparency and value for money.
The report by Fourth Estate released on Monday details their findings into a deal between the government and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) in 2019.
Under the contract, SML is receiving large monthly payments of up to GHS24 million, despite having no prior experience in the services they claimed to provide.
SML was hired through a single source procurement process to address issues like underreporting and diversion in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
However, regulatory authorities said these problems were already being efficiently handled by established systems.
The report further revealed that SML took credit on its website for revenue increases in the sector, including an unfounded claim that it had saved Ghana over GHS3 billion.
But the revenue growth has been attributed to rising volumes and increased tax rates – factors SML did not contribute to.
When confronted by the Fourth Estate, SML admitted it did not perform the listed functions and removed the false statements.
Nonetheless, the large payments continue through the questionable contract despite experts saying SML’s role duplicates existing work and the contract should be canceled.
Adding to the controversy, government agencies have refused requests to disclose payment details to SML or respond to information requests, raising questions of transparency, according to the investigators.
Fresh details emanating from the camp of Paul Adom Otchere indicates that Senyo Hosi, a respected figure within the petroleum industry, is part of a group attempting to cast doubt on the legitimacy and effectiveness of the SML deal.
The motive behind such actions remains unclear, and these claims have sparked intense discussions within both the political and business communities.
It is important to note that these allegations are yet to be substantiated, and Senyo Hosi has not publicly addressed the accusations.