The Finance Committee of Parliament has proposed a suspension of all payments associated with the government’s contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) starting next year.
This recommendation is based on the need for a parliamentary investigation into the said contract.
According to the committee, after a thorough review of the contract, it was determined that Parliamentary approval is necessary in accordance with the Financial Management Act. Consequently, the committee deems it essential to notify the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) about this statutory requirement.
This development came to light during a debate on the approval of the budget for other government obligations in the year 2024.
Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson speaking to journalists on the deal said “As part of the report the parliament of the Republic of Ghana has resolved that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) must immediately stop all payments to SML beginning January 1, 2024.
“Again, parliament resolves that GRA must be aware that the contract that the Ministry of Finance has with SML constitutes a multi-year commitment and section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act is clear on the matter that all multi-year commitments must be presented to parliament for consideration and approval.”
“So the contract in its current shape is not valid and must come to parliament for approval. It is also important to note that the same Finance Committee working with parliament has resolved to initiate a probe into the SML. I urge the Committee of Finance to conduct this probe diligently and in a manner that will show transparency.”