The Finance Committee of Parliament has recommended the suspension of all payments under the government’s contract with SML from the beginning of next year, pending a parliamentary probe into the contract. The committee, upon reviewing the contract, concluded that it requires Parliamentary approval under the Financial Management Act.
During a debate on the budget approval for other government obligations for the year 2024, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, conveyed the decision of Parliament. He highlighted the need for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to be notified about the statutory requirement and emphasized that the contract, in its current form, is not valid without parliamentary approval.
“As part of the report, the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana has resolved that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) must immediately stop all payments to SML beginning January 1, 2024. The contract that the Ministry of Finance has with SML constitutes a multi-year commitment, and section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act is clear on the matter that all multi-year commitments must be presented to Parliament for consideration and approval,” stated Dr. Ato Forson.
He further mentioned that the Finance Committee, in collaboration with Parliament, has resolved to initiate a probe into the SML. Dr. Ato Forson urged the Committee of Finance to conduct the investigation diligently and transparently.