President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate termination of all contracts between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

The directive, which orders the cancellation of the controversial agreements "forthwith", follows the recent conclusion of a detailed investigation into the transactions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, communicated the President's firm decision in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Letter

Parts of the letter, sighted by the Daily Graphic, states unequivocally that: "Following the conclusion of the investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into the contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), I have been directed by His Excellency, the President of the Republic, to request that you take immediate steps to terminate all existing SML-related contracts forthwith".

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This decisive action brings finality to a matter that has been the subject of intense public scrutiny and debate for several months.

The OSP initiated its investigation amid widespread concerns from civil society organisations, political actors, and the public over the procurement process, the scope, and the financial terms of the contracts awarded to SML.

The company was engaged by the GRA in a revenue assurance role, primarily in the downstream petroleum, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals sectors.

The agreements, which included a controversial consolidated contract, had been criticised for their lack of transparency and value for money.

While the full contents of the OSP's investigative report have not been made public, the President's directive to terminate the contracts "forthwith" suggests the investigation uncovered significant irregularities or a lack of requisite approvals, validating the concerns raised by stakeholders.

The Ministry of Finance and the GRA are now expected to swiftly execute the presidential directive, ensuring a seamless termination process that does not disrupt the revenue mobilisation systems the contracts were meant to support.

This move is seen as a significant step by the government to assert the principles of accountability and good governance, aligning with the public interest.

At the time of filing this report, officials from the Ministry of Finance and SML were not immediately available for comment.

However, the President's Office has given an assurance that all necessary steps will be taken to safeguard the state's interests throughout the termination process.