IEAG calls on President Mahama to terminate SML contract

Samson Asaki Awingobit is the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG). He has urged President John Dramani Mahama to end the contract with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML).

At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Awingobit raised concerns. In April 2024, a presidential directive suspended SML’s upstream petroleum and mineral resources contract. This followed serious issues highlighted in The Fourth Estate’s investigative reports and a KPMG audit. Despite this, SML still receives over GH¢1.43 million monthly under the downstream petroleum contract.

Mr. Awingobit noted that these payments are a significant drain on national resources. He emphasized that during efforts to stabilize the economy, such spending is wasteful.

He suggested that funds paid to SML could build schools, hospitals, and roads. They could also help reduce business costs in the country.

Mr. Awingobit called on all stakeholders to unite and pressure the government to terminate SML's remaining contract.