The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has intensified its probe into the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract, revealing findings that directly implicate former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to the OSP, the former minister was personally and centrally involved in advancing the deal despite being fully aware that the company lacked the capacity to deliver on its mandate.
At a press briefing on Thursday, October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s consistent involvement and clear awareness of SML’s operational shortcomings point to his alleged complicity in causing financial loss to the state.
The OSP indicated that the former minister ignored repeated warnings and red flags while endorsing millions of cedis in questionable payments from key state accounts.
Findings from the investigation revealed a consistent pattern of intervention by Mr. Ofori-Atta to promote SML’s interests. Evidence cited includes a directive issued on August 29, 2019, instructing his technical advisor, through his chief of staff, to integrate SML into the existing system managed by West Blue Consulting alongside the Customs Technical Services Bureau.
Investigators discovered that Mr. Ofori-Atta was copied on nearly every email related to the process, which the OSP described as a clear indication of his direct knowledge of SML’s deficiencies.
As Finance Minister, he was reportedly aware that SML lacked the tools and technical capacity to perform its duties but allegedly continued to approve payments.
The OSP contends that his silence and failure to act, despite knowing of the company’s non-performance, amounted to willful endorsement of an unproductive arrangement that drained public resources.
The investigation also suggests that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s alleged personal interests in the deal may have influenced his inaction.
According to the Special Prosecutor, if the former minister had not been benefiting from the arrangement, he would have intervened to suspend payments and hold SML accountable.
Instead, he is accused of quietly endorsing payments made from the Consolidated Fund, the Petroleum Revenue Account, and the Tax Refund Account without any legitimate technical justification.
Evidence gathered by the OSP shows that SML failed to perform its core functions, including transaction audits and external price verification. Even 15 months after its engagement, the company reportedly lacked systems to receive essential customs control and valuation records.
Despite its inability to deliver, SML allegedly continued to receive payments, leading to what the OSP describes as a significant financial loss to the Republic.
Source: Adomonline.com