‘SML stinking scandal won’t die’: Manasseh to Akufo-Addo over refusal to release KPMG report

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has taken on President Akufo-Addo following the presidency’s decision to withhold the full KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilization deal between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML).

Expressing his position, the journalist stated that any attempt to conceal what he described as a “stinking” deal would be fruitless.

The refusal to disclose KPMG’s full audit report has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.

Citing specific provisions within the RTI Act, the Presidency refused to release the report, citing concerns over the confidentiality and sensitivity of the data involved.

In a letter addressed to the MFWA and signed by the Director General and addressed to the Chief of Staff, HM Wood, the Presidency regretted that it had not been able to comply with the request for the full KPMG audit report.

Manasseh Azure Awuni, responding to the presidential decision, expressed skepticism over claims of confidentiality surrounding the KPMG report.

He promised to hold all individuals involved in the agreement accountable for their actions, emphasizing that transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democratic governance.

“The SML deal sucks. If you think that hiding the KPMG report will make us forget about the SML scandal, you should think again. The SML scandal will not die. And those who were left behind in the past and in the future will face to justice, no matter how long it takes.”

He further referred to the release of the comprehensive GYEEDA report by former President John Dramani Mahama during his tenure, highlighting the importance of openness in addressing issues of public interest.

“Even when we did not have the Right to Information Act, President John Mahama published a white paper and also the full GYEEDA Report. The opposition NPP led by Akufo-Addo was the one that most vociferously called on President Mahama to publish that report , which was also the subject of my research in 2013.”

“What is Akufo-Addo hiding from us?” she asked.

KPMG, an audit firm, has completed and submitted its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

The President commissioned KPMG to audit the contract on January 2, 2024, with a deadline initially set for January 16, 2024, but later extended to February 23, 2024.

Based on the audit findings, SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date, partially fulfilling its obligations.

However, the report also noted that SML’s work had contributed to an increase in revenues in the downstream oil sector.

Contrary to the audit report’s claims, SML has disputed receiving GH¢1,061,054,778.00 for its contract with GRA, arguing that KPMG quoted the figure “without reference to investments made and taxes paid” during the period. review.

Responding to the report, Sulemana Braimah, CEO of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), said the foundation had submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to the presidency to obtain the full KPMG audit report. .

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