Regarding the government's contract with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML), the Ghana Revenue Authority's (GRA) answer has drawn harsh criticism from Ranking Member of Parliament's Mines Committee, John Jinapor.
Concerning the controversial contract granted to SML for managing Upstream Petroleum Production and auditing the value chain of Minerals and Metals Resources, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted accusations made by 'The Fourth Estate.' In fact, the Ministry of Finance and the GRA entered into a consolidated contract with SML, according to the GRA. This contract covers the value chain of minerals and metals resources in 2023, as well as the monitoring and auditing of the downstream petroleum sector in 2019 and upstream petroleum production in 2023.
John Jinapor expressed his dissatisfaction with the GRA's statement, emphasizing that it raises more concerns and supports his contention that the contract should be terminated. He questioned the selection of SML during an appearance on Joy FM's Top Story, inquiring about their key competencies and what makes them unique to merit such a prominent role.
Statement From GRA
Concerning the need for SML's involvement, he brought up the National Petroleum Authority's (NPA) current measures and the integration with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). He voiced his disbelief at the choice, in light of the current monitoring systems, to use SML to measure the amount of petroleum products in tanks.
Jinapor adamantly stated that the contract with SML is detrimental to the nation’s interests, asserting that it will only serve to benefit a select few at the expense of the nation. He further contended that the contract does not provide value for the money invested.
Previously, the Minority had called for a comprehensive Parliamentary investigation into the contract between the Government of Ghana and SML to safeguard potential revenue losses in the downstream petroleum sector.
Related To This: Minority Calls On Parliament To Probe Government's $1Billion Contract With SML
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