Only a cartel benefiting from Ghana’s revenue hemorrhage will resist SML solution – Rev. Charles Owusu

Reverend Charles Owusu, former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission, has defended Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). He warns that resistance to SML's operations in the petroleum sector stems from vested interests. These interests benefit from Ghana’s ongoing revenue leakages.

In an interview with MyJoyonline, Rev. Owusu questioned those opposing SML’s technology. He noted that evidence shows SML can help track and reduce revenue losses. “Only a cartel benefiting from leakage would oppose solutions,” he said. He added, “How did shortfalls vanish when SML implemented their systems?”

He believes the real opposition to SML is not about legality or efficiency. Instead, it comes from “saboteurs within the system” who profit from opacity in Ghana’s petroleum sector.

Rev. Owusu expressed disbelief over the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) claim to suspend SML’s upstream operations. He stated, “The project hasn’t even started. How can you suspend something that hasn’t begun?”

He referenced a recent GRA letter and questioned its claims about SML expanding operations without approval. “Where did the GRA get this information? This needs clarity,” he said.

The GRA announced it had suspended SML’s upstream petroleum revenue assurance operations for review. However, Rev. Owusu insists this action is premature since SML has not started any upstream activities.

He urged Ghanaians to prioritize national interest over personal gain. “We must embrace home-grown solutions like SML to fight corruption and plug revenue losses,” he stressed.

Rev. Owusu cited Dr. Eric Boachie Yiadom from UPSA as supporting evidence for deploying the SML solution in national interest. Dr. Yiadom believes that SML represents the best technology to address tax revenue leakages in Ghana.

Rev. Owusu warned that continued sabotage of technological oversight will worsen economic losses in Ghana. It will also serve only a few powerful individuals' interests.

“This country belongs to all of us,” he said firmly. “Let us stop protecting illegal profits and start safeguarding national resources.” He concluded by stating that SML offers a real solution for Ghana's challenges.