Business News of Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Source: Ernest Arhinful, Contributor

We collaborate with world-class partners to fulfill duties and obligations to GRA – SML

Serwaa Sarpong, Head of Support Management at SML Serwaa Sarpong, Head of Support Management at SML

Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the company involved in a revenue assurance contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has asserted that it operates within the confines of Ghana's laws.

The company emphasizes that it strictly adheres to legal procedures and does not engage in any illegal activities, making any accusations against them baseless.

During an appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile program on Saturday, April 27, Serwaa Sarpong, the head of Support Management at SML, responded to the President's comments on the KPMG audit report.

She insisted that the report exonerates them as they also collaborate with world-class partners in fulfilling its duties and obligations to GRA.

According to Serwaa Sarpong, the services provided by SML are unique and contribute positively to the country's revenue mobilisation efforts.

"A contract can go back and forth when it is not being done properly, but it doesn't make it illegal. It doesn't make it bad. It is like writing a thesis or even applying for a visa.

"You can be rejected many times, but when you submit the necessary requirements, they approve it. Another point I must make is that we operate legally in the country and collaborate with international partners," she said.

Auding firm, KPMG earlier this year completed and submitted its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

The audit was initiated by the President on January 2, 2024, following an expose by the Fourth Estate. Originally set to be completed by January 16, 2024, the deadline was extended to February 23, 2024, due to some circumstances.

According to the audit findings, SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778 since 2018 while only partially fulfilling its obligations under the contract.

However, SML has challenged this finding, asserting that the report as a whole justifies the contract.

The President has however asked that some sections of the GRA's contract with SML be reviewed.