GRA refutes media reports, confirming Strategic Mobilisation Ghana’s upstream and minerals audit expansion remains suspended after KPMG’s 2024 value-for-money findings; Parliament and civil society demand full report and transparent procurement.
Despite widespread media reports suggesting Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) has resumed operations in Ghana’s upstream petroleum and mineral sectors, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has firmly denied granting any such approval. In a press release dated May 14, 2025, the GRA clarified that the suspension of SML’s activities, imposed in April 2024 following a KPMG-led value-for-money audit, remains in full effect.
This statement directly contradicts claims circulating in major outlets which suggested that SML had expanded its mandate under the 2023 Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services Contract.
“The GRA has not instructed SML to activate nor resume operations,” the Authority stated unequivocally, reiterating its commitment to protecting public revenue through processes rooted in integrity, fairness, and transparency.
How We Got Here
Date
Event
Key Point
Dec 2023
The Fourth Estate exposé “The GH₵ 3 Billion Lie”
SML alleged to earn huge fees for downstream fuel monitoring it never delivered, while eyeing a US $100 million-a-year expansion into upstream oil & minerals.
Jan 2024
President suspends new modules; orders KPMG audit
Upstream and minerals work put on hold.
Apr 2024
KPMG submits report
Some downstream gains; no value-for-money upstream/minerals — recommends cancellation. GRA freezes expansion.
13 May 2025
PR blitz touts SML “five-year success”
Multiple portals run near-identical puff pieces suggesting mandate restored.
14 May 2025
GRA rebuttal
Labels reports inaccurate; re-asserts suspension.
Why the Tug-of-War Matters
Credibility & Trust: SML, still suing investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, is fighting for reputational redemption. GRA’s pushback shows spin will not override policy.
Revenue-Assurance Gaps: Without a transparent, tech-driven audit of upstream royalties, potential leakages worth billions of cedis remain unchecked.
Governance Signal: By contradicting SML publicly, GRA underlines that KPMG’s recommendations, and the President’s directive, carry real weight.
What Happens Next?
Parliamentary Scrutiny – Finance Committee expected to summon GRA and Finance Ministry officials for an update.
Call for Transparency – Civil-society groups want the full KPMG report published.
New Procurement? -Government still needs a credible solution for upstream auditing. A competitive tender, or an in-house GRA upgrade looks inevitable.
