GRA-SML contract: Government is hiding something – Arthur Kennedy

• Apr 27, 2024

Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a physician and a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced concerns that the government might be concealing certain details regarding the contract between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 26, Dr. Arthur Kennedy suggested that this lack of transparency could be aimed at masking illegalities within the contract and its potential negative impact on the Ghanaian populace.

He urged the government to release the full KPMG audit report to the public, stating that transparency is crucial, especially concerning matters involving public funds and contracts.

Dr. Kennedy emphasized that transparency enables citizens to understand the implications of governmental decisions.

“It appears that the government is trying to hide something. The fundamentals of this are clear and the contracts were awarded illegally and regardless what benefits have been accrued, it begs the question of why, regardless of the official disapproval, people went round the processes and awarded the contract,” he remarked.

He reiterated the importance of openness and urged the government to address any irregularities in the GRA-SML contract for the welfare of all Ghanaians.

KPMG, an auditing firm, has completed and submitted its report on the revenue assurance contract between GRA and SML to President Akufo-Addo. Initiated by the President in response to an exposé by the 4th Estate, the audit was initially due for completion by January 16, 2024, but was extended to February 23, 2024.

According to the audit findings, SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 since 2018 while only partially fulfilling its obligations. SML, however, contests these findings, asserting that the report overall justifies the contract.

Following the president’s issuance of a statement revealing limited details contained the report, there is a growing public call for the release of the full report by the government.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com