Importers and Exporters Association calls on President Mahama to terminate “wasteful” SML contract

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is urging President John Dramani Mahama to cancel a contract. They describe it as unnecessary and financially wasteful. This contract is between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

The Association claims the contract costs the state over $1.4 million each month. This continues despite a presidential directive in 2024 that suspended SML’s upstream petroleum agreement. An audit by KPMG also highlighted concerns about this deal.

They argue that the downstream part of the contract is redundant. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) already performs its functions.

At a press conference in Accra, Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit spoke out against ongoing payments to SML. He called these payments a violation of prudent financial management, especially during economic challenges.

“This contract undermines good governance and fiscal responsibility,” Mr. Awingobit stated. He demanded full public disclosure of all payments made to SML since 2018. He also called for prosecution of any public officials involved in this arrangement.

The Association's call reflects growing public scrutiny over the SML deal. Stakeholders are urging greater transparency and accountability in managing public funds.