The controversy surrounding the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) contract continues to escalate as Ghanaian journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni challenges former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s recent claims of non-involvement in the matter.
Ofori-Atta, who has been implicated in the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), denied any role in the scandal, asserting that he was neither the “originating nor implementing Minister.”
However, Manasseh has presented compelling evidence contradicting this assertion, directly linking the former minister to the controversial contract.
Manasseh’s investigation sheds light on several troubling discrepancies, including the apparent lack of involvement from key state agencies that should have been consulted about the contract’s terms.
According to his findings, institutions like the Minerals Commission and Petroleum Commission were unaware of the deal, raising questions about the legitimacy of the contract’s expansion.
The journalist also revealed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), despite being responsible for revenue collection, was not initially involved in determining the contract’s scope.
The GRA only received the contract after it had already been signed by the Ministry of Finance.
In addition to these concerns, Manasseh pointed out the failure of SML to deliver the solutions it promised, further highlighting the questionable nature of the deal.
]The company, when confronted, admitted to misleading claims on its website, which were later removed.
These revelations paint a concerning picture of potential mismanagement and corruption surrounding the SML contract, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in government dealings.
