President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has taken decisive action to address concerns surrounding the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The move comes amidst public outcry over alleged inefficiencies in revenue assurance and contract implementation.

In response, the President has commissioned KPMG, a globally recognized firm specializing in Audit, Tax, and Advisory Services, to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of the GRA’s dealings with SML. This audit will delve into the transaction’s background, including the processes leading to the contract’s approval, as well as evaluate its alignment with the country’s specific needs.

The Terms of Reference for the audit also include an assessment of the contracting methodology, compliance with legal standards, industry best practices, and an evaluation of SML’s contribution to the GRA. The audit aims to provide clarity on the alleged duplication of work and the claimed revenue saving of over GHC3 million to the state.

President Akufo-Addo has set a tight deadline for this audit, instructing KPMG to complete the assignment within two weeks and submit recommendations promptly. To ensure the audit’s integrity, the President has directed the Ministry of Finance and GRA to extend full cooperation to KPMG. Additionally, he has ordered the suspension of the contract’s performance and any associated payments until the audit report, along with recommendations, is submitted.

This bold move by President Akufo-Addo reflects his commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Ghana’s governance and economic sectors. It underscores the government’s responsiveness to public concerns and its dedication to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity.

The outcome of the audit and the subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Ghana’s revenue management and could set a precedent for accountability in contractual engagements across various sectors. This development is poised to be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as it unfolds into a pivotal moment in Ghana’s public governance and economic trajectory.