Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo has declined the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) request to continue running the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) system during the ongoing investigation. The system, designed to enhance revenue assurance and control, is at the center of an audit following concerns about its operation and potential disruptions. The GRA requested that the system remain operational until the investigation’s conclusion, arguing that it would continue recording real-time data. However, the President directed that the suspension of the contract’s performance should persist until the audit by KPMG is completed.

KPMG, an international audit and accounting firm, was appointed by President Akufo-Addo to investigate the GRA-SML contract. Initially set to be completed by January 16, the audit’s deadline has now been extended to February 23 to ensure a more comprehensive report. The extension comes in response to a Fourth Estate report revealing false claims by SML about an earlier contract with the Finance Ministry and GRA. The company had alleged significant savings, but discrepancies emerged when compared to sector revenue figures.

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Despite the controversy, the Ministry of Finance instructed the GRA to expand SML Ghana’s work to include monitoring oil and gold production and shipment. This move has faced criticism from members of parliament, civil society groups, and anti-corruption campaigners questioning the basis for awarding contracts to SML in various sectors. The ongoing investigation aims to address these concerns and provide clarity on the GRA-SML contract.