In recent news, the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has taken legal action against the Fourth Estate and Mannasseh Awuni for defamation following the broadcast of the 'GH¢3 billion lie report'. The company is seeking GHS10 million in damages, citing the adverse impact on its operations due to the public backlash resulting from the false reportage.
Despite SML's publication of rejoinders to counter the false reportage, the defendants have allegedly failed to retract and apologize for the dissemination of inaccurate information. This has led to a legal suit being filed by SML.
The controversy stems from a December 2023 investigative report by the Fourth Estate, which implicated SML, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance. The report raised concerns about possible irregularities surrounding a purported 10-year contract between SML and GRA, with an annual payment of $100 million.
In response to the report, President Akufo-Addo ordered the suspension and audit of the contract, appointing accounting and auditing firm, KPMG, to conduct the audit. The terms of reference for the audit include assessing the rationale for the contract approval, evaluating the contracting methodology, reviewing financial arrangements, and submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations.
The President also directed the Ministry of Finance and GRA to provide KPMG with necessary assistance for the audit and to suspend the performance of the contract pending the audit report.
Following this directive, the Management of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. welcomed the suspension of the contract, expressing confidence that the audit would vindicate their integrity and business standards. They emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability, eagerly awaiting the public release of the audit findings.
This development underscores the significance of upholding ethical business practices and ensuring thorough scrutiny of contractual agreements. It also highlights the role of independent audits in promoting transparency and restoring confidence in business collaborations.
As this legal dispute unfolds and the audit progresses, it is essential to await the findings before drawing any conclusions. The outcome of the audit will provide valuable insights into the integrity of the contract and the operations of all involved parties.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as it develops. Stay tuned for further analysis and insights into this evolving story.
-source 3news | curated by Neizer Gyamfi | Ghana Crimes
