The full KPMG report on the agreement between Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been made public by President Akufo-Addo.

The announcement comes in response to public demands for accountability and openness regarding the specifics and implementation of the contract.

The partnership aimed at improving revenue collection in Ghana is thoroughly analyzed in the KPMG report, which was commissioned to examine the terms and implications of the agreement. The goal of the SML contract was to use cutting-edge technology to improve overall efficiency, minimize leaks, and simplify tax collection procedures.

Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, released a statement on April 24, 2024, stating that President Akufo-Addo had received a request from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for a copy of the KPMG report on the contracts and transactions between Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), pursuant to section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) (RTI Act).

“Bearing in mind the provisions of the RTI Act, particularly section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the Act, the President denied the request by MFWA since the KPMG report constitutes matters exempt under section 5 of the RTI Act.

“Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act states that “information is exempt from disclosure where the information is prepared for submission or has been submitted to the President or Vice President for consideration or contains matters the disclosure of which would reveal information concerning opinion, advice, deliberation, recommendation, minutes or consultation made or given to the President or Vice President and is likely to undermine the deliberative process on the part of the President or Vice President.”

“…However, the President, in the interest of full transparency in governance, openness, and honesty with the public, has decided to waive the privilege under section 5 of the RTI Act and has directed the publication of the KPMG report in full.”