Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has emphasised the positive impact of its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on state revenue.

SML asserts that its involvement has significantly reduced revenue leakage in the downstream sector, resulting in increased revenue for the state.

Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, the Director of Support Services at SML, reaffirmed the company's contributions during an interview on JoyNews' programme, The Pulse, on Monday, April 29.

Yaa Serwaa highlighted the effective measures taken by SML, attributing the company's success to its ability to close existing gaps in the downstream sector.

She defended SML against negative perceptions, stating that the company's activities are entirely legal and aimed at benefiting the state.

Yaa Serwaa Sarpong emphasised that the criticisms against SML are unfounded, as the company operates within the legal framework and is committed to contributing positively to Ghana's revenue generation.

"If you go through the data one after the other, you will see that because of the control we have put in place, now the lifting volumes and the taxable volumes are aligning which means that the gap between that was the leakage that has been closed by SML under the 16 months period," she said.

Auditing firm KPMG has completed an audit and presented its report on the contract between GRA and SML to President Akufo-Addo.

Initiated by the President on January 2, 2024, following an investigative expose by the Fourth Estate, the KPMG audit said SML has received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778 since 2018 while fulfilling its obligations in part.

SML has challenged that finding, claiming however that the report in general justifies the contract.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) says any future government it leads would not recognise any contracts deemed illegal under the Akufo-Addo government.

Mr Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer, cited specific concerns regarding contracts like the one between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML, alleging corruption and financial impropriety.

Mr Gyamfi stated that if the NDC is elected into office, it will take action to retrieve all illegal payments made to SML and ensure that the state's interests are protected.

He further emphasised the party's commitment to transparency and accountability in government contracts, promising to address any instances of corruption and malpractice. The party wants the government to release the full KPMG report.

"The NDC wishes to reiterate the pledge by our flagbearer and leader, John Mahama, that the next NDC government will not recognise the illegal contracts between the government of Ghana and SML, upon assumption of office in the year 2025."

"When elected into office, we shall launch credible and transparent investigations into this stinking SML scandal, to retrieve for the State, all illegal payments made to SML and ensure the prosecution of all persons who are complicit in these illegal transactions," he said.