Ghana’s efforts to safeguard public revenue systems have entered a decisive stage as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) steps up investigations into the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The OSP has issued fresh summons to three top GRA officials — Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong, Assistant Commissioner for Finance Celestine Annan, and Technical Assistant to the Commissioner-General Kenneth Agyei-Duah — to assist with ongoing inquiries into suspected procurement breaches and potential misconduct surrounding the revenue assurance agreement.
The move follows the arrest of Freeman Sarbah, the Acting Director of Legal at the GRA, who is being questioned over alleged attempts to impede the OSP’s work and his suspected role in irregular decisions linked to the contract.
Investigators are probing claims that senior GRA figures instructed Mr. Sarbah to issue a legal communication to SML’s counsel in October — a document believed to conflict with earlier testimonies provided to the OSP. It is the second time the top officials are appearing before investigators, underscoring the heightened seriousness of the inquiry.
The contract — which tasked SML with monitoring oil and revenue streams for the state — has faced fierce public criticism over cost concerns, questions of value-for-money, and whether proper procurement procedures were followed.
The OSP’s investigation has widened beyond the GRA to include senior figures at the Ministry of Finance. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has signalled that several high-profile prosecutions are expected before the end of November 2025, with former public officials among those likely to face charges should evidence warrant it.
According to sources close to the inquiry, preliminary reviews point to possible corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest, and procurement infractions, suggesting systemic failings in the oversight of revenue protection contracts.
The case has attracted strong public interest due to Ghana’s economic challenges and pressure on government institutions to demonstrate integrity in safeguarding national revenues. Analysts say the outcome will be a crucial test of Ghana’s commitment to transparency and anti-corruption reforms.
The OSP maintains that its mandate is clear: to protect the public purse and ensure that all officials — regardless of rank — are held accountable where wrongdoing is established.
