GRA-SML contract: Akufo-Addo rejects request for full KPMG audit report

The Presidency has declined a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) seeking access to the complete KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilization agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML).

Citing sections 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, the Presidency stated that the report contains sensitive information deemed crucial and falls under exempt categories under the law.

In a letter addressed to the MFWA and signed by the Chief Director to the Chief of Staff, H. M. Wood, the Presidency expressed regrets over its inability to fulfill the media outfit's request.

“Upon careful consideration and in accordance with section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, I regret to inform you that your request has been refused. Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) states that information prepared for or submitted to the President or Vice President containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure and that disclosure of such information would compromise the integrity of the deliberative process by revealing the thought process, considerations, and influence on decision-making reserved for the highest offices of the land.

“The full KPMG Audit Report comprises opinions, advice, deliberations, and recommendations that are integral to the President's deliberative process and, therefore, qualifies as exempt information under section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i),” the letter read in part.

The Presidency emphasized that the findings and recommendations of the KPMG report had been disclosed in a detailed press statement.

“Understanding the public interest in the GRA-SML contract, the President has published the principal findings and recommendations of the KPMG report in a detailed press statement issued by the Office of the President on 24th April 2024. Thus, the public remains informed while respecting the statutory restrictions on specific disclosures,” it added.

About the KPMG report:

The audit, commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on January 2, 2024, with a deadline initially set for January 16, 2024, but later extended to February 23, 2024, was conducted by KPMG, an auditing firm.

The report indicated that SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date while partially fulfilling its obligations. However, it also acknowledged SML's contribution to revenue increase in the downstream petroleum sector.

Responding to the report, SML disputed the stated figure, arguing that KPMG failed to consider their investments and taxes paid during the review period.

In his response, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, reiterated the foundation's commitment to transparency by submitting an RTI request for the full KPMG Audit Report.

AM/SARA

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