President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of all contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), following the completion of an investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The directive, described as taking effect “forthwith,” was conveyed in a letter from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, to the Ministry of Finance and the GRA.
Parts of the letter reportedly read: “Following the conclusion of the investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into the contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), I have been directed by His Excellency, the President of the Republic, to request that you take immediate steps to terminate all existing SML-related contracts forthwith.”
This move concludes months of public debate and scrutiny over the SML deals, which had drawn criticism from civil society groups, opposition figures, and sections of the public regarding transparency and value for money.
The OSP launched its inquiry amid widespread concerns about the procurement process, scope, and financial structure of the contracts, which engaged SML in revenue assurance roles across the downstream petroleum, upstream production, and minerals and metals sectors.
The agreements, particularly a consolidated contract between SML and the GRA, were flagged for potential irregularities and questions over whether they had received proper approvals.
Although the OSP’s full report remains unpublished, the President’s order to terminate the contracts indicates that the investigation likely confirmed key lapses or breaches in the contracting process.
The Ministry of Finance and the GRA are expected to carry out the directive without delay, ensuring that the termination process does not interrupt ongoing revenue collection and monitoring systems.
