Ex-Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA detained over SML deal

Isaac Crentsil, the former Commissioner of the Customs Division at GRA, has been detained. The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is holding him for questioning. This relates to a controversial contract with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

Reports indicate that Crentsil was picked up earlier this week. His detention concerns his role in the SML deal, which has faced public scrutiny.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor accused former finance minister Ken Ofori Atta. They claim he caused financial loss to the state through dealings involving SML and GRA.

An exposé titled “The GH¢ 3 Billion Lie” highlighted issues with the SML contract. It revealed that the Ministry of Finance awarded a $100 million contract to SML for monitoring petroleum production and auditing mineral resources.

SML has denied allegations about its operations and payments. They stated their upstream operations have not started and called payment claims false.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reported that Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Adu Owusu-Amoah, GRA's Commissioner-General, fled Ghana over this scandal. Allegedly, Crentsil signed the $100 million contract just before President Akufo-Addo called for an investigation.

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni labeled the SML deal as “the biggest scam.” He stands by his claims made in his book against SML despite a defamation suit filed against him.

In a social media post, he confirmed receiving legal documents regarding SML’s GHS21 million defamation suit. He expressed readiness to defend his statements in court regarding the scandal.