Ghana Revenue Authority Chief Collaborates with Special Prosecutor in Landmark SML Scandal Investigation
In a significant development for public accountability and fiscal integrity in Ghana, the Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, is actively assisting the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its ongoing probe into the contentious Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) deal. This collaboration underscores a robust commitment to uncovering the truth behind allegations of impropriety and ensuring transparency in government contracts, particularly those involving critical national revenue streams.
Mr. Sarpong, who took the helm at the Ghana Revenue Authority in March 2025, brings crucial institutional memory and expertise to the investigation. His direct involvement, stemming from an invitation by the OSP, focuses on providing intricate details and insights from an audit conducted by his former firm, KPMG, into SML’s operational modalities and contractual terms. This audit is central to dissecting the intricate layers of the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) scandal.
Unpacking the KPMG Audit and Allegations of Irregularity
The KPMG audit, commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2024, was a direct response to a compelling exposé by the Fourth Estate. This investigative report brought to light a series of alleged procurement breaches, glaring oversight weaknesses, and questionable financial practices associated with the SML contract. While SML claimed to have significantly boosted petroleum revenue through its interventions, the final KPMG report painted a different picture. It reportedly discredited these claims, indicating that SML’s systems were not effectively integrated with the primary national revenue monitoring platforms, thereby raising serious questions about the efficacy and value for money of the agreement. The insights provided by the GRA boss into this audit are therefore vital for the Office of the Special Prosecutor to ascertain the true impact and legal standing of the SML deal.
Implications for Revenue Assurance and African Digital Transformation
This high-profile investigation carries profound implications not only for Ghana’s fiscal health but also for the broader landscape of revenue assurance and digital transformation across the African continent. As many African nations increasingly adopt technology to enhance tax collection and combat illicit financial flows, the integrity of such digital systems becomes paramount. The SML case highlights the critical need for robust procurement processes, stringent oversight, and verifiable performance metrics for tech solutions implemented in public finance. It underscores that while technology offers immense potential for revenue mobilization, its successful and ethical deployment hinges on transparency and accountability. This investigation serves as a crucial case study for how public accountability can reinforce confidence in digital government initiatives within an African tech context.
A Precedent for Public Sector Oversight and Accountability
The proactive collaboration between the Ghana Revenue Authority’s leadership and the Office of the Special Prosecutor sets a significant precedent for inter-agency cooperation in tackling corruption and ensuring public sector integrity. It signifies a commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility. Such joint efforts are essential for holding contractors and public officials accountable, reinforcing public trust in governance, and safeguarding national resources. The outcome of this Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) investigation will undoubtedly shape future approaches to public contracting and oversight, signaling a determined push towards transparent governance and robust anti-corruption efforts in Ghana and potentially inspiring similar vigilance across the region.
The ongoing investigation into the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) deal, bolstered by the Ghana Revenue Authority’s collaboration with the Office of the Special Prosecutor, marks a critical juncture in Ghana’s fight against corruption. It reaffirms the nation’s resolve to ensure that public contracts deliver genuine value and that accountability remains the cornerstone of its economic development and good governance agenda.
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