John Dramani Mahama has made a strong case for renewed investment in Ghana’s oil and gas sector.

The current economic recovery according to him positions the country as a destination for both upstream and midstream opportunities maintaining that the macro-economic environment is ripening for business.

Speaking during one of the conversations with Heads of State in Africa at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan on the  topic – ‘Oil and Renewable Energy, a dual bet for Ghana’s future’, the President called on investors to partner the government in scaling up oil and gas infrastructure for long-term growth.

“The oil and gas sector was toxic. I don’t know for what reasons but I think governments have not prioritised the sector. But I will lay a red carpet for anyone who wants to drill and pump in Ghana. So the investors should come”, he said.

From energy sector reforms to renewed oil and gas investment calls, the President pointed to actionable steps his administration is taking to stabilise the economy, including the settling of settling of legacy debts.

The President was accompained by a high-level delegation of ministers and economic advisors who engaged in targeted boardroom sessions as part of a broader effort to secure strategic partnerships and drive home Ghana’s development agenda on the continental stage.

Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) is marking five years of operations in the petroleum downstream sector with an expansion of its revenue assurance mandate into Ghana’s upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors, building on a track record of digitising fuel audits and plugging revenue leakages in the downstream petroleum industry.

The company, which began in 2018 under a subcontract from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has helped close significant gaps in taxable petroleum product volumes, boosting government revenue and modernising oversight systems.

“Our story began with a bold vision: to support governments in safeguarding national revenue through end-to-end audit and revenue assurance services. Even at that early stage, our team demonstrated the value we could bring, combining precision, accountability, and technical expertise,” Director of Support Services at SML, Dr. Yaa Serwaa Sarpong,  said in a keynote address when the company launched its upstream and solid minerals operations. 

By 2019, SML had become a primary contractor for the GRA, and by 2020 had secured two five-year contracts for transaction audits and downstream petroleum monitoring — both approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). The company’s systems integrated data from the GRA, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and petroleum depots to centralise oversight and improve tax collection.

Extant data shows that SML’s services have increased taxable monthly petroleum volumes from an average of 208 million litres to 450 million litres. From May 2020 to December 2024, this translated into 14.1 billion litres in captured excess volume and more than GH¢20 billion in additional tax revenue. “The implication is that GRA can meet its annual target even before the deadline, whereas, prior to SML’s operations, GRA struggled to achieve this,” Dr. Sarpong said. The gains were sustained even during periods of economic disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The company’s technological systems replaced manual processes with real-time, tamper-proof monitoring infrastructure, which it says has improved compliance and accountability. “This has improved compliance, eliminated errors, and strengthened controls to ensure every litre is fully accounted for,’ she added. 
SML also highlighted its funding model as a differentiator, with Dr. Sarpong noting: “The SML business model is a full risk-reward structure where SML fully bears the full cost of investment, with no mobilisation from the government, unlike most government contracts.”

In October 2023, GRA consolidated all of SML’s audit services — including transaction, downstream, upstream audit, and solid minerals audit— under a single contract. That agreement was approved by the PPA in September. “These sectors are now entering a new era of transparency and real-time oversight, thanks to the technological innovation and strategic thinking SML brings to the table. Today, SML stands at the forefront of an integrated, intelligent revenue monitoring solution, a first-of-its-kind innovative approach in Ghana’s extractive industries,” she remarked. 

“This milestone is not just about systems and numbers; it’s about perseverance and a united vision for Ghana’s future. We wholeheartedly recommit ourselves to excellence, to innovation, and to the shared prosperity of our nation, Ghana,” she added. 
The company has also signalled intent to expand beyond Ghana, positioning its model as a potential solution to illicit financial flows across Africa. 

“African countries lose about US$90 billion in illicit financial flows annually, according to the African Development Bank Group. SML is ready — with the expertise, the tools, track record and groundbreaking innovation — to support that continental transformation,” she said. 

Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), acknowledged his initial skepticism about SML. “In my line of work, you get all kinds of information from a broader spectrum. Last year, I happened to have been accosted by people I know, and then the agenda was, let’s discuss SML. At the time, I was not too charitable to this company.”

However, after visiting SML’s facilities, Amoah changed his perspective. Mr. Amoah pointed to even greater potential in upstream operations: “If the downstream is able to give us GH¢20 billion within 4 years, I can assure the upstream can do three times more,” he said.  He urged political leaders to ensure that Ghana can verify reported production volumes from international companies.

Professor Douglas Boateng, a supply chain governance expert, described SML’s platform as “a generational innovation with the power to reshape how Africa governs, minimises revenue leakages, secures, and scales its industrial future.” 

He stated that SML represents innovation by intention, determination and perseverance” as opposed to innovation by import. “According to selected global thought leaders, the SML’s fused platform, until the end of the third quarter of 2024, was the only known system in an emerging economy operating at scale with proven multi-site, real-time data capture functionality,” Professor Boateng stated. 

He highlighted the platform’s potential beyond Ghana, envisioning a Ghanaian-built platform deployed across Zambia’s copper belts, Nigeria’s oil terminals, and Kenya’s utility corridors. SML’s model, which operates on a full risk-reward basis with no government mobilisation fees, sets it apart from conventional government contracts. “The SML business model is a full risk-reward structure where SML fully bears the full cost of investment, with no mobilisation from the government, unlike most government contracts,” Dr. Sarpong explained. 

As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, SML has paid tribute to the many partners and institutions that have supported its journey. “This milestone is not just about systems and numbers; it’s about perseverance and a united vision for Ghana’s future. We wholeheartedly recommit ourselves to excellence, to innovation, and to the shared prosperity of our nation, Ghana,” Dr. Sarpong added.

On the eve of Mother’s Day, Mama Pat, in the midst of a small crowd, beseeched Sammy Gyamfi as he left an event. We have all seen the video. It is quite clear that the young man was overwhelmed by her pleas. In an attempt to do good to the woman, he conducted himself in a manner that has displeased ‘we-the-people’. Clearly, the public feels slighted.

But then again, we have observed a virtue in this matter, a virtue quite rare in our politics, a virtue that inspires hope. Sammy Gyamfi was swift to apologise. He clearly has understood his mistake with all humility.

It is out of humility and learning that people grow a better tomorrow. Honest and open apologies are a mark of accountability of public officers. This is one such instance, and I believe we should build on this.

Lessons learnt. Let’s move on.

Senyo Hosi

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Professor Ransford Gyampo,Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority

Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), has reiterated his longstanding position on the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, while highlighting a shift in how his concerns are now being received.

“If we had President Akufo-Addo saying, ‘I will do it, and here’s what I’m doing, X, Y,’ some of us would have toned down,” he said in an interview on Metro TV.

According to him, instead of engaging with constructive criticism, certain individuals attempted to undermine their efforts.

“They went their own way to sponsor some of our own members to form splinter groups. But we were stronger and more powerful than they, so we pushed them into oblivion. They even sponsored some people against us,” he added.

Commenting further on the severity of the galamsey menace, Prof Gyampo said, “You see, this galamsey thing, it’s too drastic a situation. Maybe we should allow all of us to start falling ill, maybe allow all of us to start dying. That’s when people will realize this is not just a policy issue.”

He clarified that his stance is not in support of galamsey nor a critique of President Mahama’s intentions to fight it. “At every opportunity I have had, I have reiterated my concern and my position about the need to fight galamsey.

“The difference now is that I can measure the body language, judge the response, and see the reception, and also observe the inadequate efforts being made.”

“Until we are able to secure our water bodies and our environment, we cannot stop” – Professor Ransford Gyampo addresses the urgent threat of galamsey in Ghana, criticizing the lack of political will to tackle the issue effectively.#MetroTV pic.twitter.com/vG8GJjKwKd

— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) May 13, 2025

AM/KA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

The riveting legal drama between Ghanaian politician Kennedy Agyapong and investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has taken an intriguing turn with reports that the defamation compensation awarded has been slashed by more than 98%.

The Superior Court of New Jersey, a state-level trial court in the United States, had previously awarded $18 million to Anas, following inflammatory remarks by Kennedy Agyapong who was the then member of parliament for Assin Central.

That amount has been reduced to $500. This stunning legal maneuver demands a judicious review of the legal, political, and ethical ramifications of this high-profile case, especially the judicial rationale behind such a dramatic cut in penalty.

Accusations and Investigative Context

Anas began legal action against Mr. Agyapong after the politician labelled him a “criminal”, and alleged he was behind the murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale, who had previously worked with Anas.

This, notably after Anas released his 2018 documentary expose on corruption in Ghanaian football and elsewhere.

The investigative journalist first brought the case in Ghana, and lost, but then took it to the United States, where Agyapong owns property, and won.

According to court papers filed by Anas’ lawyers, the MP made some of those defamatory remarks from his home in New Jersey during a podcast interview.

It’s important to note that there are—or at least were- diverse opinions about Anas’ style of investigative journalism. While effective in uncovering corruption, his approach incited widespread outrage in Ghana, where critics have raised concerns over perceived ethical violations and an allegedly partisan agenda.

International Enforcement and Diverse Interpretations

The drastic reduction of the damages is a complex legal issue. It demonstrates the challenge of enforcing international judgments and navigating the variation of legal interpretations across nations.

Agyapong’s lawyers’ argument, highlighting the distinction between fact statements and exaggerated opinions, appears to have had profound influences on the revised judgment of the court. These challenges can stem from differences across countries in terms of legal standards and procedures.

Significantly, the substantial cut to the damages initially awarded suggests that the court likely found at least some merit to Agyapong’s defense. Perhaps that could imply a finding that while Agyapong’s remarks were vicious or even inflammatory, the comments fell short of the US legal standard necessary to justify an $18 million finding of defamation (the act of making untrue statements that harm someone’s reputation) under US law.

The court judgment likely came down to the consideration of factors such as the nature of the statements, the context in which they were made, and the evidence required to establish defamation.

Other issues may have stemmed from the difficulty of enforcing a US judgment, taking into consideration Ghana’s legal system. Also, past rulings of Ghanaian court judgments, raise additional challenges.

Free Speech vs. Press Freedom

To Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the first ruling was a huge victory for press freedom and accountability, signaling loud and clear that investigative reporting should not be intimidated.

Kennedy Agyapong and his supporters may, however, interpret the reduced damages, on the whole, as he has been vindicated. They may conclude that his statement fell within the scope of free speech in the course of delivering a reasoned political opinion to a deeply polarized national discussion. It is critical to recognize that there are equally valid legal, moral, and ethical arguments on both sides of this issue for the prosecution and defence.

Balancing Rights and Political Dynamics

On one level, this case directly puts into sharp focus the thin line between freedom of speech and protection of individual reputations in today’s globalised world.

On another level, the split view within the Ghanaian legal fraternity (including lawyers, judges, and legal scholars) on Anas’s work and the justification of the accusations leveled against him adds further confusion to the nature of his work.

It is important to keep in mind that the legal systems must be allowed to operate independently from politics.

Focus on Judicial Rationale

In short, it is hard to overstate the implications of the recently settled court battle between Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Kennedy Agyapong for press freedom, accountability, and respect for international law.

The dramatic reduction of the defamation award, as well as all the other changes, further showcase how incredibly challenging this issue is and how many different legal arguments are being pushed that return harm rather than benefit. The key thing to monitor in the coming weeks will be what, if any, legal reasoning is provided by the New Jersey court for any reduction.

Getting a sense of the court’s rationale, if any major cuts are made, will be key not just to understanding how this new law is being applied in this instance, but the precedent it might set for other cases that may raise similar cross-border legal challenges and free speech issues.

This monumental lawsuit will of course be picked apart in great detail over the coming weeks and months by legal experts, journalists and political pundits as both plaintiffs’ and defendants’ legal teams rush to implement or appeal today’s decision.

NB: Anas has since the new decision to slash the award, indicated that his pursuit for justice was never about the size of the award, but the conviction that he was wronged by Ken Agyapong, which the court upheld. Remember the Ghanaian courts said Ken did no wrong.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The World Bank has commended Ghana for the remarkable progress made under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project. 

They described Ghana’s performance as exceeding expectations and delivering beyond initial targets. 

Mr Robin Mearns, the World Bank’s Global Director for Social Development, commended Ghana’s efforts during a tour by a high-level delegation from the World Bank to the SOCO project sites. 

During the field visit, the delegation inspected community-level interventions in Jinlo along the Salaga corridor, including a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and guinea fowl rearing project.  

They engaged with stakeholders to assess midterm progress, strengthen collaboration, and explore opportunities for potential scaling up of the initiative. 

The team also engaged with other income-generating groups such as the Shishegu soap makers and toured a newly built livestock market.  

The SOCO Project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.  

It operates 48 selected districts across Ghana’s six northern regions with a focus on building inclusive, peaceful, and economically empowered communities along the northern border zones. 

Mr Mearns said the SOCO Project was not only meeting the target but exceeded its targets, and that it was bringing tremendous economic prosperity to regions that had not seen much investment in the past.  

“The scale and inclusiveness of the project are impressive, and I strongly encourage additional funding to extend its reach to the remaining vulnerable districts,” he added. 

Mr Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, described the project as a game changer in addressing both infrastructural gaps and social vulnerability in the six Northern regions.  

He noted that SOCO’s integrated approach was helping to shape peaceful and thriving communities across the regions. 

Ms Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, the SOCO Project Coordinator, said the first cycle of the project had delivered 530 community infrastructure subprojects, with 489 completed and handed over as of February 2025. 

“These include 33 roads and culverts, 59 educational facilities, 66 health centres, 210 water facilities, and 73 rural markets,” she said. 

Ms Agyei said over 6,200 jobs, many for women, youth, and persons with disabilities had been created, and 744 livelihood groups with more than 24,000 members had received support to boost local productivity. 

She added that a second cycle was underway, targeting the delivery of 680 additional subprojects across the 48 districts.  

“The SOCO Project is not just about bricks and blocks. It’s about building community ownership and participation” 

“We aim to strengthen the social fabric through inclusive leadership and shared responsibility, which are the true essence of social cohesion,” she stressed. 

The delegation also participated in the inauguration of the Tamale Metropolitan Youth Parliament, a civic engagement initiative under SOCO that promotes youth involvement in governance and peacebuilding.  

Source: GNA