As state anti-corruption bodies intensify scrutiny into the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) controversial revenue assurance agreement with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), concerns are mounting over the broader culture of accountability within the public sector.
Commenting on the matter during Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team member Alfred Thompson stressed that systemic laxity and poor professionalism within public institutions continue to undermine revenue mobilisation efforts.
According to him, weaknesses in work discipline and commitment have created space for persistent revenue leakages, ultimately inviting private firms to perform roles that state agencies should execute effectively.
“If public officers treat their duties seriously, there will be no room for leakages for external firms to claim they are coming to fix,” Thompson stated, warning that complacency in state institutions remains a major driver of corruption and inefficiency.
He noted that attitudes associated with “government work” — where some employees feel less accountable — have contributed to financial losses and public distrust.
With the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) currently probing key actors in the GRA–SML deal, Thompson emphasised the urgency of rebuilding discipline and accountability across state bodies to restore confidence in public financial management.
The OSP has already invited senior GRA officials as part of its investigation, following the arrest of the authority’s Acting Head of Legal Affairs, Freeman Sarbah, for alleged corruption and obstruction of justice. Preliminary findings from the watchdog point to procurement breaches and potential abuse of office in the award of the contract.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has signalled that prosecutions could follow once inquiries conclude, with several past and present officials — including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta — potentially facing charges before the end of 2025.
Thompson argued that strengthening internal systems and enforcing discipline within public service is essential to preventing such scandals in the future and ensuring that public institutions can perform their mandates effectively without external intervention.
