The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed KPMG, a reputable Audit, Tax and Advisory Services firm, to conduct an immediate audit into the transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML), a contract which was entered into to enhance revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, the upstream petroleum production and minerals and metals resources value chain.
This was contained in a statement by the Presidency, signed by the Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin.
The Terms of Reference of the Audit are; to conduct an audit to ascertain the rationale or needs assessment performed prior to the contract approval by GRA, and assess how the arrangement aligns with specific needs.
Also, assess the appropriateness of the contracting methodology, verifying compliance with legal standards and industry best practices in the procurement process for the selection of SML.
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The Firm is also to evaluate the degree of alignment between current activities and the stipulated contract scope, identifying any deviations and as well evaluate the value or benefit that SML has so far offered to the GRA through this engagement.
KPMG is again to review the financial arrangements, including pricing structures, payment terms and resolution of any financial compliance issues and submit a report on your findings on the above, together with appropriate recommendations.
President Akufo-Addo tasked KPMG to complete the assignment in two weeks, and submit appropriate recommendations to him.
Meanwhile, the President has directed the Ministry of Finance and GRA to provide KPMG with whatever assistance they will require for conduct of the audit.
He has also directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to suspend the performance of the contract, pending the submission of the audit report, including any payments presently envisaged under its terms.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori