Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that over $500 million (GH¢5 billion +) has been saved following the cancellation of dubious contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) under the Akufo-Addo administration.
Reacting to the government’s termination of the SML contract on October 31, 2025, Awuni posted “Over $500 Million or GHS5 Billion + has been saved from the cancellation of SML’s dubious contracts. One day at a time.”
He also expressed his appreciation to President Mahama for taking action on the controversial deal.
President John Dramani Mahama on Friday October 31, 2025, directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to terminate all existing contracts between the Government of Ghana and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
‘There was no genuine need for contracting SML’ – Kissi Agyebeng
The directive follows investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which concluded that there was no justifiable basis for the government’s engagement with the firm.
A letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, instructed the Finance Minister to take immediate steps to end all contractual arrangements involving the revenue assurance company.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the investigation revealed no genuine need for the services SML was contracted to perform, raising concerns about value for money and procurement justification.
“The failure to obtain mandatory prior approvals for such a high-value contract represents a serious breach of the legal framework designed to protect state assets,” Agyebeng said.
SML insists payments were verified, dismisses OSP claims of political ties
The contracts, which were meant to provide revenue assurance services in the petroleum, mining, and liquid bulk distribution (LBD) sectors, were found to lack legitimate operational requirements. The investigation also revealed that key regulations under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) were allegedly bypassed.
The OSP is set to press charges by the end of November 2025 against several individuals implicated in the SML-GRA contracts. Those expected to face prosecution include former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta; current and former Commissioner-Generals of the GRA, Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti; GRA officials Isaac Crentsil and Kwadwo Damoa; and former Ministry of Finance Technical Advisor Ernest Akore.
According to Agyebeng, evidence gathered points to criminal conduct during the negotiation, approval, and implementation of the contracts.
The OSP is expected to formally announce specific charges and commence legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
Over $500 Million or GHS5 Billion + has been saved from the cancellation of SML’s dubious contracts. One day at a time.
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) October 31, 2025
MA