The Minority in Parliament is calling for a full-scale Parliamentary probe into a contract between the government and a private entity, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

The aim is to safeguard billions of cedis that might have been lost in the downstream petroleum sector.

As per an investigative report by the Fourth Estate, the contract is deemed questionable.

However, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has reportedly expanded it, resulting in a projected cost of $100 million to the state over the next decade.

According to Minority Spokesperson on Mines and Energy, John Jinapor, who is also on the Finance Committee, the deal should be immediately suspended pending the Parliamentary probe.

Read also: https://www.myjoyonline.com/10-year-questionable-contract-by-finance-minister/

“The Minority has discussed this topical issue and we would be moving processes to ensure that there is a full-scale investigation,” he assured.

According to Mr Jinapor, the Minority does not believe there is value for money in the contract describing it as a ripoff.

“This contract only ends up filling the pockets of greedy politicians and individuals because just a couple of weeks ago, we the Mines and Energy Committee visited NPA and we were made aware that they’ve put in place enough mechanisms to ensure that all the loopholes and loses are safeguarded and that they’ve even hooked up with the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure that all those assurances are catered for. And so the question is how would you need this?” he asked.

Read also: https://www.myjoyonline.com/the-gh3bn-lie-government-pays-hundreds-of-millions-to-company-despite-false-claims-about-its-work/

He added that “we cannot allow the taxpayer to be burdened is such unnecessary contracts that only go a long way to fill the pockets of individuals. So will advise that that contract be suspended pending parliamentary investigation.”

Mr Jinapor stated that the Minority will ensure the contract is terminated if they discover that the allegations are true after the investigation, as it does not serve the public interest.

He commended the Fourth Estate and media houses for conducting the investigation and bringing the issue to the fore.