You can’t deny involvement in ‘questionable’ SML deal – Manasseh to Ofori-Atta

Renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, says the former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta cannot deny his involvement in the Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) contract.

This contract, which has been labeled “questionable,” was awarded for the monitoring of upstream petroleum production and auditing of the value chain of minerals and metals resources.

According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, “it is untrue” that Ken Ofori-Atta, as the Finance Minister, was not the originating nor implementing minister in any of the portfolios in question. A letter regarding the SML contract revealed that the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, had “determined” that the contract should be expanded.

Manasseh’s investigation uncovered discrepancies in the contract awarding process. The Minerals Commission and the Petroleum Commission claimed they were unaware of the contract, while the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was not involved in determining the contract’s scope. This lack of transparency and accountability raises concerns about the legitimacy of the contract.

“The company’s website claimed they were providing solutions, but when I investigated, I found that they were not delivering on those claims. When confronted, the company admitted to false claims and deleted them from their website,” Manasseh noted. This revelation further emphasizes the need for scrutiny of the SML contract and the role of Ken Ofori-Atta in its awarding.

The SML contract issue is currently under investigation. The Special Prosecutor is looking into the matter to ensure that everything was done properly. Manasseh Azure Awuni’s investigation has helped to bring important issues to light, and the public awaits the outcome of the investigation.