MFWA presses for transparency as it requests KPMG report on GRA-SML contract through RTI

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has taken a step forward by filing a Right to Information (RTI) application with the Presidency, aiming to obtain the complete KPMG audit report.

The report concerns the revenue mobilisation agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), which featured prominently in an expose by the Foundation's Fourth Edition.

KPMG, a reputable auditing firm, has completed and presented its report on the contract between GRA and SML to President Akufo-Addo.

Initiated by the President on January 2, 2024, the KPMG audit was originally scheduled to be concluded by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, but due to circumstances, the deadline was extended to Friday, February 23, 2024.

According to the audit findings, SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 since 2018 while fulfilling its obligations partially.

However, the report also highlights that SML's efforts have contributed to increased revenue in the downstream petroleum sector.

Disputing the disclosed figure, SML argues that the GH¢1,061,054,778.00 mentioned in the audit report lacks consideration for the investments made and taxes paid during the reviewed period.

In a recent statement, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, underscored the foundation's pursuit of transparency by officially requesting the complete KPMG Audit Report through the RTI process.

Braimah expressed optimism about the President's compliance with the law regarding the release of the report.

Meanwhile, Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has raised concerns over President Akufo-Addo's remarks regarding the KPMG audit report on the GRA-SML revenue mobilisation deal.