Ghana’s Importers and Exporters Association Raises Concerns Over SML Contract
Ghana's Importers and Exporters Association Raises Concerns Over SML Contract
Ghana’s Importers and Exporters Association Raises Concerns Over SML Contract
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEG) has expressed concerns over the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) contract with the government, alleging that the company is being paid over $1.4 million monthly despite a presidential directive suspending the contract.
According to Samson Asako Awingobit, President of IEG, the payment is being made under the guise of a downstream petroleum contract, which the association believes is unjustifiable. Awingobit emphasized that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) already has a system in place to monitor fuel volumes and prevent illicit activities, making the SML contract a duplication of services.
:Key Issues:
NPA’s existing system can monitor fuel levels and track distribution, rendering SML’s services unnecessary.
Also the monthly payment of $1.4 million to SML could be channeled to support critical sectors like healthcare, education, or energy.
The association questions who benefits from the contract and why it continues despite the presidential directive.
The IEG is calling on the government to review the contract and ensure that state resources are not being drained. The association believes that the funds being paid to SML could be better utilized to support national development initiatives.
The association’s concerns highlight the need for transparency and accountability in government contracting. As Ghana seeks to stabilize its economy and address financial challenges, the IEG’s call for scrutiny of the SML contract is timely and relevant.
Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun online.
