Audio By Carbonatix
The Majority in Parliament has jumped to the defense of the Ghana Revenue Authority-Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal.
The caucus insists that no wrong has been occasioned.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and some Civil Society Organisations have been demanding the termination of the contract following the issuance of the government's white paper after a KPMG audit.
Addressing journalists in Parliament, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin warned his NDC colleagues and CSOs against posturing that he believes could destroy indigenous Ghanaian businesses.
"Often times, under the guise of due diligence, under the guise of transparency, we often get out of control and destroy Ghanaian businesses, whereas foreign firms who operate in certain sectors get the kind of protection that makes them develop their businesses," he said.
The Majority insist the legal issues raised by the NDC and CSOs against the deal in particular the demand that the deal should have come to Parliament for approval are all without basis.
Two weeks ago, President Akufo-Addo instructed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance to renegotiate the revenue assurance contract with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
The President emphasised that the renegotiation should be closely monitored and evaluated periodically to ensure it meets expectations.
The decision to renegotiate the contract follows the President's acceptance of the recommendation by KPMG after its audit into the deal.
The audit findings prompted the need for a review of the revenue assurance contract, highlighting areas where improvements are necessary to enhance its effectiveness.
"There is a clear need for the downstream petroleum audit services provided by SML. GRA and the State have benefited from these services since SML commenced providing them. There has been an increase in volumes of 1.7 billion litres and an increase in tax revenue to the State of GHS 2.45 billion. KPMG also observed that there were qualitative benefits, including a 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters and six levels of reconciliation done by SML."
Latest Stories
-
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
49 minutes -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion  Â
2 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
2 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
2 hours -
Kind Hearted Beings Charity spreads joy during festive season
2 hours -
Gun Amnesty: Take advantage before it expires on January 15 – Interior Ministry
2 hours -
KNUST College of Engineering deepens industry partnerships to drive innovation and national development
3 hours -
Mammoth crowd turned up for 2025 edition of Joy FM’s Family Party in the Park
3 hours -
NDC can’t change the constitution alone – Minority MPs hold key role, says Barker-Vormawor
3 hours -
Parents of Persons with Disabilities call for affordable rehabilitation servicesÂ
3 hours -
Barker-Vormawor urges President Mahama to lead constitutional reform implementation
3 hours -
Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe calls for abolition of ex gratia payments, excessive benefits for public officeholders
4 hours -
Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe backs review of presidential immunity provisions in Ghana’s constitution
4 hours -
Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe opposes presidential term extension
4 hours -
Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe: On Ghana’s constitution review and the future of democratic governance
4 hours
