Akufo-Addo to order release of KPMG report

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana is reportedly set to authorize the public release of a KPMG audit report concerning a contentious contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

This decision follows a refusal by the Office of the President to release the document under the Right to Information Act, despite requests from media and civil society groups.

The controversy centers around a revenue assurance contract tasked with improving revenue collections in various sectors, including petroleum and minerals.

In April, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sought access to the comprehensive audit findings using the Right to Information Act, 2019.

However, the Chief Director at the Office of the President, H.M. Wood, citing sections of the Act, denied this request.

The stated reason was that releasing the information could compromise the deliberative processes at the highest levels of government.

In contrast to the official denial, sources from Asaase Radio linked to the Jubilee House suggest President Akufo-Addo intends to release the audit results soon, indicating transparency and asserting that there’s nothing to hide.

According to these sources, the president is committed to full disclosure, as he has directed the GRA to implement all the recommendations made by KPMG without reservation.

These include the cancellation and suspension of some contracts and renegotiation of others, specifically altering one to incorporate a fixed fee.

The audit, commissioned by President Akufo-Addo in January 2024, was conducted by KPMG following concerns over the contract’s scope and financial implications.

The objectives were comprehensive: to evaluate the needs assessment performed before the contract’s approval, assess the contracting methodology, verify compliance with legal standards, evaluate alignment with stipulated scopes, and review financial arrangements and compliance.

In compliance with the president’s directives issued following the audit report, the GRA has initiated several critical actions.

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This includes terminating the Transaction Audit and External Verification Service Contract and amending the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products to a fixed fee structure.

Moreover, future actions on contracts related to monitoring mining and upstream oil and gas production are pending a thorough needs assessment and stakeholder consultation, after which they may be opened for competitive bidding.

The implications of this move are significant.

It signals a shift towards greater transparency in government contracts and a proactive approach in addressing the criticisms and recommendations of the audit.

By aligning the government’s actions with KPMG’s recommendations, the president reinforces his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and accountability.

Furthermore, the potential release of the audit report reflects a responsive governance approach, likely aimed at restoring public trust and confidence in the administration’s handling of public contracts.

It also sets a precedent for how information concerning public interest is managed, potentially influencing future policies on transparency and accountability.

This development is awaited eagerly by stakeholders across sectors, as it not only affects governance and financial policies but also has broader implications for the regulatory environment and public sector integrity in Ghana.

The decision to release the KPMG audit report, therefore, is not just about a single contract but about reinforcing the foundational aspects of governance that promise accountability and transparency in public dealings.

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