Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised concerns about the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), citing numerous violations that could result in legal action. He believes that individuals responsible for these irregularities could face imprisonment and emphasizes the need to recover misappropriated state funds for national development.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program, Azure highlighted the misuse of public funds in the GRA-SML contract, stressing that the country has been deprived of resources that could have been utilized for its progress. He called for accountability and urged the government to take decisive action against those involved in the deal, suggesting that jail time and fund recovery were viable options.
President Akufo-Addo recently released the KPMG audit report on the GRA-SML contract, following public pressure for transparency and accountability. The audit revealed that SML owes the GRA GH¢31.88 million in unpaid taxes, including accrued interest, due to breaches in the contract terms. It was also disclosed that the GRA had six service contracts with SML, contrary to previous claims of only three contracts made by the presidency.
The revelations from the audit report have sparked public outrage, with many Ghanaians demanding the cancellation of the contract and the prosecution of those involved in the irregularities. The lack of approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and Parliament for the contracts is a significant point of contention, raising questions about the legality and transparency of the deal.
Overall, the GRA-SML contract has raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement and potential corruption within the government. Manasseh Azure Awuni’s calls for accountability and legal action against those responsible reflect the widespread public sentiment for transparency and ethical governance. The recovery of misappropriated funds and the enforcement of proper procurement processes are crucial steps towards restoring trust and ensuring the efficient use of state resources for national development.
Article Source
https://www.myjoyonline.com/sml-gra-deal-has-many-candidates-for-jail-manasseh-azure/
