Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the company accused of receiving a controversial 10-year contract from the Finance Ministry, has filed a lawsuit against the Fourth Estate, the media that released "The GH¢3bn Lie Documentary."
According to the suit filed on Thursday, February 15, SML claims that the publication has caused irreparable damage to its reputation in the public domain.
As a result, SML asserts that these damages have had a detrimental impact on its operations and is seeking appropriate action to remedy the situation.
SML is now pursuing a total of ¢10 million in damages. The statement of claim itemizes the amount as one million for defamation and nine million for exemplary damages due to reckless and malicious reporting.
"Plaintiff says that the onslaught of backlash from the public which has arisen from the Defendants’ false reportage has adversely impacted Plaintiff’s operations."
"Plaintiff says that although it published rejoinders to the Defendants’ false reportage, the Defendants have failed and/or refused to retract and apologise to the plaintiff for the false information they have consistently peddled."
Furthermore, they are requesting a perpetual injunction against the publication of further defamatory material, a retraction and apology, and any other orders deemed appropriate by the High Court.
The Fourth Estate, in a December 2023 investigative report, implicated Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance.
The report alleged that GRA granted SML a purported 10-year contract with an annual payment of $100 million, raising concerns about possible irregularities.
SML refuted the claim, asserting that it had a five-year contract instead.
The GRA, in a statement on December 20, 2023, maintained that the proper procurement procedures were followed.
On January 3, 2024, SML welcomed President Akufo-Addo's directive to suspend its ongoing revenue assurance operations and undergo an audit of its contract with the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.
President Akufo-Addo appointed KPMG, an audit, tax, and advisory services firm, to conduct the immediate audit.
SML expressed confidence that the audit would provide a clear and accurate depiction of its operations.
However, President Akufo-Addo extended the limit given to audit firm KPMG, to complete its audit following its request.
Latest Stories
-
Minority demands reversal of hiked dialysis treatment cost
49 mins -
Akufo-Addo pledges commitment to finding killers of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale
58 mins -
Bodies of 3 hostages recovered, Israel says
1 hour -
MTN Ghana drives sustainable development through digital innovation
4 hours -
Eric Otchere: Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams: Apostle of Strategic Prayer
5 hours -
Bawumia is a man of action who delivers on his promises – Upper East Imams and Zongo Chiefs
9 hours -
Parliament approves Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees
11 hours -
StarLife Assurance supports Global Evangelical Mission Hospital with medical supplies
12 hours -
Benjies outdoors catchy thematic narrative on debut EP ‘TRI’
12 hours -
Skin and body enhancement, the emerging cause of hypertension
13 hours -
Bawumia vows to prioritise Pwalugu Dam project and tackle energy challenges with solar power
13 hours -
Bleaching and body enhancement creams can cause hypertension – Dr Tanor
14 hours -
Bobby Banson urges separation of Attorney General and the Minister of Justice offices
14 hours -
It’s possible for Cedi to hit GH¢20 against the dollar – Sammy Gyamfi teases Bawumia’s 2024 polls slogan
14 hours -
Tamale North MP accuses Akufo-Addo of scheming to oust Kissi Agyebeng from office
15 hours