Following a recent investigation by the Fourth Estate, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), has asserted that its innovative technologies have played a pivotal role in the substantial transformation of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

According to SML, this transformation has led to the generation of additional revenue for the government.

Therefore, SML has described as inaccurate, assertions made by the Fourth Estate in its recently released documentary.

In a press statement as well as a technical briefing held at their expansive operational hub in Tema on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the company presented a robust counterargument to address what it contends are inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the published investigative findings.

Speaking to the media, Prince Sarpong, the Head of IT in charge of Petroleum Operations, and Hamdan Abubakar, the Head of Engineering at SML, vehemently defended the company's significant role in rejuvenating and advancing Ghana's downstream petroleum sector.

"Contrary to the tone set by the Fourth Estate, SML has been instrumental in sanitising the downstream petroleum sector through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices," stated Mr. Sarpong during the briefing.

A key emphasis by SML was its involvement in reconciling fuel volumes between Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Mr. Sarpong explained how, since 2020, the company had utilised advanced technologies such as Ultrasonic Flow Meters to overcome reconciliation challenges, ensuring accurate taxation of OMCs by the GRA.

The company asserted that these innovations ensured accurate taxation of OMCs by the GRA, contributing to improved efficiency within the sector. One of such instances SML stated is its efforts at significantly increasing the volume of fuel GRA can account for, from an average of 350 million liters per month to an impressive 450 million liters.

Regarding the financial aspect of SML's contributions, the company asserted that, as of 2022, its efforts have resulted in an additional ¢3 billion, contrasting the negative portrayal in the Fourth Estate's investigation.

To clarify misconceptions, SML corrected the reported contract duration, stating that its contract with GRA spans a duration of 5 years, contrary to the 10-year duration mentioned in the investigative report.

The technical briefing aimed to showcase SML's transformative impact in the downstream petroleum sector.