GRA gives SML greenlight to resume operations

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has given the nod for Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) to resume operations, despite an earlier directive from the president for SML to suspend its activities.

Although the decision for SML to resume operations has not been publicly announced, two statements from the GRA to the Ministry of Energy and the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors indicate that SML is back in business following an audit report issued by KPMG Ghana.

The statements were shared on X by the Executive Director of the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Benjamin Boakye.

In the letters, the GRA informed the two entities, the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Ministry of Energy, that SML has been directed to resume its operations.

Parts of the statement from the GRA to the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors read, “We wish to inform you that Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has been directed to resume its monitoring operations of the Downstream Petroleum sector with effect from 14th June 2024 in accordance with the Presidential Directives on the KPMG report.”

The statement added, “SML is expected to ensure that all systems are fully operational and compliant with the relevant standards and regulations to deliver accurate, reliable, and timely monitoring services to support our revenue assurance.”

An investigative report by Fourth Estate earlier alleged irregularities in a multi-million dollar contract awarded to SML by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Despite these allegations, both the GRA and SML have strongly denied any wrongdoing.

In response, SML has initiated legal action against Fourth Estate, alleging defamation.

Amid the concerns surrounding the contract between the GRA and SML, President Akufo-Addo directed KPMG to conduct an audit into the matter.

Subsequently, the president directed the GRA to review some sections of its contract with SML.

Check out the two statements here

In the quest to ceaselessly milk consumers of petroleum products disguised as quality and revenue assurance, a new war front opens. Africa will move quicker to EVs cos of politicians and their “illicit tax” on the pple, not climate. ⁦@BBSimons⁩⁦ @Manasseh_Azure⁩ pic.twitter.com/TQudl1VFEl

— Benjamin Boakye (@benboakye) June 20, 2024

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