NDC will not recognize SML-GRA illegal contract if elected -Sammy Gyamfi

According to the National Communication Officer of NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, the party will not recognize the illegal contract between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This is after the contract was exposed by The Fourth Estate and confirmed by a KMPG audit as not following due process.

Apart from the contract not following due process and using a sole-sourcing agreement despite the disapproval of the Public Procurement Authority, the government has paid GH¢1,061,054,778 for allegedly helping the country earn GH¢2.45 billion in revenue.

in a press statement issued following the party’s Moment of Truth session at its national headquarters, it said the next NDC government will not honour the contract.

“Distinguished members of the press, the NDC wishes to reiterate the pledge by our flag-bearer and leader, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, that the next NDC government will not recognize the illegal contracts between the Government of Ghana and SML, upon assumption of office in the year 2025.”

Also, the NDC said it would launch a transparent investigation into the deal and ensure the culprits are punished and all illegal payments made are retrieved.

“…we shall launch credible and transparent investigations into this stinking SML scandal, with the aim of retrieving for the State, all illegal payments made to SML and ensuring the prosecution of all persons who are complicit in these illegal transactions.”

The NDC added that the NPP while in opposition saw sole sourcing as evil and prosecuted many government appointees of the previous government after taking over in 2017 but now uses the same method to sign illegal deals.

“While in opposition, sole-sourcing was tantamount to corruption according to the NPP. Breaches of the procurement law was considered an abomination,” the statement said. “Indeed, since 2017, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has prosecuted several persons for alleged procurement and other statutory breaches. Some of these people have been convicted and are languishing in jail today. In fact, the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Charlotte Osei was removed from office on grounds of procurement breaches. This standard of accountability cannot and will not be any different for members of the ruling NPP who are responsible for the sleazy SML deal and other corruption scandals.”

According to the NDC, it is “committed to promoting transparency, accountability and value for money in all government procurements.”