Asaase Radio, based in Accra, has reported that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is considering authorizing the release of KPMG’s audit report on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal.
Sources at the Jubilee House, the presidential seat, have hinted at the likelihood of the President using his discretionary powers to make the report public.
According to Asaase News, the content of both the letter to GRA and the presidential press release regarding the KPMG report on the GRA-SML deal reflects all the key findings and recommendations without omission.
A source at the presidency revealed, “President Akufo-Addo forwarded all recommendations made by KPMG regarding SML contracts, including cancellation of two contracts, suspension of two others, and renegotiation of the variable fee for the remaining one, which was recommended to be retained but with a fixed fee.”
The source added that the delay in making the report public is to allow GRA the opportunity to independently review and recommend the necessary actions without undue pressure.
However, the Media Foundation for West Africa’s request for the full KPMG report was declined by the Presidency on May 8. The Chief Director at the Office of the President cited section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, stating that information containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, and consultations submitted to the president is exempt from disclosure to preserve the integrity of the decision-making process.
President Akufo-Addo received the KPMG report on April 2, 2024, three months after commissioning the audit firm to investigate the GRA-SML deal. Following a government review of the report, a press statement was issued, instructing GRA to review the deal along with other directives.
