In a press release issued by Mr. Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at Jubilee House, it was announced that President Nana Akufo-Addo has suspended the performance of the SML/GRA Contract and has directed an audit into the matter.
The statement, released on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, reads, “The president has engaged the services of KPMG, a reputable audit, tax, and advisory services firm, to conduct an immediate audit into the transaction between the GRA and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). This contract was entered into to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.”
The terms of reference for the audit are outlined as follows:
- Conduct an audit to determine the rationale or needs assessment performed prior to the contract approval by GRA and assess how the arrangement aligns with specific needs.
- Assess the appropriateness of the contracting methodology, ensuring compliance with legal standards and industry best practices in the procurement process for the selection of SML.
- Evaluate the degree of alignment between current activities and the stipulated contract scope, identifying any deviations.
- Evaluate the value or benefit that SML has provided to GRA through this engagement.
- Review the financial agreement, including pricing structures, payment terms, and resolution of any financial compliance issues.
- Submit a comprehensive report on the findings related to the above, along with appropriate recommendations.