The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a comprehensive and emphatic denial of recent media reports alleging the resumption and expansion of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd.’s (SML) revenue assurance activities in the upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors. These reports, circulating across various online platforms and prominent newspapers such as the Business and Financial Times and Graphic Online, incorrectly asserted that SML had either restarted its operations or received an expanded mandate in these crucial revenue-generating areas. The GRA categorically refutes these claims, emphasizing that SML’s involvement in these sectors remains suspended, a status quo implemented in April 2024 and still in effect. The Authority’s clarification, disseminated through a press release dated May 14, 2025, seeks to rectify misinformation and underscore its commitment to transparent and accountable revenue management.
The core of the GRA’s statement centers on the unwavering suspension of SML’s services within the upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors. This suspension is not a recent development but rather a continuation of a measure initiated in the preceding year. The Authority explicitly states that no directive, either formal or informal, has been issued authorizing SML to recommence or expand its operations under the 2023 Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services Contract, which, if implemented, would have broadened SML’s remit to encompass these sectors. The GRA’s firm stance on this matter serves to dispel any ambiguity surrounding SML’s operational status and reinforces the Authority’s commitment to maintaining control over revenue streams, particularly in these strategically important sectors.
The GRA’s rebuttal serves as a critical intervention in the public discourse surrounding revenue assurance in Ghana. By directly addressing the inaccuracies propagated by media outlets, the Authority proactively safeguards its reputation and reinforces public trust in its oversight of national revenue collection. The GRA emphasizes its commitment to integrity and transparency, underscoring the importance of accurate reporting and responsible information dissemination in matters of public finance. This proactive approach to communication demonstrates the Authority’s dedication to maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders and the public, ensuring clarity and preventing the spread of misinformation that could potentially undermine confidence in revenue management processes.
The suspension of SML’s operations in the upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors represents a significant aspect of the GRA’s ongoing efforts to ensure robust revenue collection and management. These sectors, being key contributors to national revenue, demand stringent oversight and accountability. The decision to suspend SML’s involvement pending a comprehensive review underscores the GRA’s commitment to due diligence and its proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities in revenue assurance mechanisms. This review process likely involves a thorough assessment of SML’s previous performance, operational protocols, and adherence to regulatory frameworks within these sectors.
The GRA’s public clarification not only addresses the immediate issue of inaccurate reporting but also serves a broader purpose – to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of good governance and accountability in revenue administration. By publicly addressing these concerns, the Authority demonstrates its commitment to transparency and its willingness to engage with public discourse on matters of national importance. This proactive stance underscores the GRA’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in its operations and fosters public trust in its ability to effectively manage the nation’s revenue streams.
In conclusion, the GRA’s strong rebuttal to media reports regarding SML’s operational status is a vital step in ensuring accurate information dissemination and maintaining public confidence in revenue administration. The Authority’s unequivocal statement reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of national resources. By proactively addressing misinformation and clarifying its position, the GRA underscores its commitment to maintaining integrity and fostering trust in its crucial role of safeguarding public finances. The ongoing suspension of SML’s services in the upstream petroleum and solid minerals sectors, pending a comprehensive review, demonstrates the GRA’s dedication to due diligence and its unwavering focus on protecting national revenue streams.
