The Ranking Member of Parliament's Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor has opposed the government's 10-year contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), describing it as 'inimical' to the nation's interests.
The Finance Ministry, headed by Ken Ofori-Atta, awarded SML an additional contract valued at up to ¢24 million per month.
Under the terms of the contract, SML is tasked with monitoring and reporting fuel product diversion and dilution, as well as overall noncompliance in the petroleum industry. This responsibility was previously held by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). An investigative report by the Fourth Estate raised serious questions about the contract.
Speaking about the development on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr Jinapor visibly passionate about the issue, expressed his concern over the financial burden placed on Ghanaians, stating, "Somebody is making so much money on the backs of the sweat of Ghanaians. This contract is inimical. This contract must not stand, and people with a conscience, people who love this country, irrespective of their political colour must pick against this contract. It is bad, it is not good, and will not stand the test of time."
Read Also: The GH¢3bn Lie: Government pays hundreds of millions to company despite false claims about its work
The Yapei-Kusawgu lawmaker further linked such controversial contracts to the nation's economic challenges, asserting that addressing leakages that happen through awarding such contracts could curb the need for external financial aid, including seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"I feel very sad and I am asking Ken Ofori-Atta, ‘Why would you do that?’ If Ghana were your company, would you sign this deal?" he quizzed.
According to the parliamentarian, the duty which SML was tasked to attend could have been addressed by NPA's internal mechnism which have been proven to be robust.
Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor has been petitioned to probe the Finance Ministry, The Ghana Revenue Authority and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited over the questionable $1 billion contract for revenue assurance in the petroleum downstream, upstream, and gold mining sectors.
The Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate, Manasseh Azure Awuni who filed the petition explained that the OSP had assured that something would be done about it.
According to him, the petition is to investigate the deal for corruption and possible breach of procurement law.
Latest Stories
-
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
18 mins -
Power challenges persist due to government’s mismanagement of revenues – Okudzeto Ablakwa
59 mins -
Jordan Ayew injury not as bad as feared – Leicester City boss
1 hour -
Stonebwoy heads to North America for UP & RUNNIN6 tour
1 hour -
FDA explains extension of best-before date for ‘expired’ rice
1 hour -
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mahama storm Akuapem North as NPP NDC slugs it out
1 hour -
Fatawu’s injury a big blow for us – Leicester City manager
1 hour -
No MC has influenced pop culture in 2024 more than me – Portfolio
1 hour -
Kpando NCCE holds dialogue for Parliamentary Candidates
2 hours -
Bawumia solicits support of CSOs to tackle ‘entrenched interests’ in corruption fight
2 hours -
I’m looking forward to working with CSOs, research institutions; they have a lot to offer – Bawumia
2 hours -
The former illegal miner who became valedictorian: Eliasu Yahaya Bansi’s KNUST journey
2 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang slams gov’t over supply of ‘expired’ rice to Senior High Schools
2 hours -
‘Expired’ rice: Lamens Investments GH¢100k fine was for regulatory violations – FDA clarifies
2 hours -
No student has been served unwholesome meals – Nana Boakye
2 hours