Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has called on Akufo-Addo to release the KPMG report on the SML deal. The report is centered on the investigation into the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML) deal. Simons emphasized the importance of transparency in such matters and raised concerns about the impartiality of KPMG. He cited the existing relationship with GRA as the basis for questioning their neutrality. The audit, initiated by H.E. Akufo-Addo, aims to scrutinize the transaction between GRA and SML, which was intended to enhance revenue assurance in various sectors.
The decision to engage KPMG has faced criticism from civil society organizations like IMANI Africa and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), who question the firm’s independence and ability to conduct a thorough audit. Additionally, the former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, also expressed reservations. Likewise,he suggested that agencies like the EOCO and the OSP would be better suited for such investigations.
Meanwhile, SML, the company under scrutiny, has expressed confidence in KPMG’s ability to vindicate them and clear any doubts about their operations. They maintain their commitment to high business standards and welcome the audit’s scrutiny, hoping for a transparent and accountable resolution.
