President Akufo-Addo has released the much-awaited KPMG audit report on the GRA-
SML contract, choosing not to exercise the privileges accorded to him under Section 5(1)(a)
and (b)(i) of the RTI Act. According to this section, information prepared for or submitted
to the President or Vice President, which contains opinions, advice, deliberations,
recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure to preserve the
integrity of the deliberative process. However, in a move towards greater accountability
and transparency, the President has released the 306-page KPMG report.
The decision follows the GRA’s swift implementation of the Presidential directive based on the
report. Speaking to our reporters, a presidential spokesperson indicated that the President
adopted a three-pronged strategy: immediately protecting the public purse by preventing revenue
leakages, absolving the government of any liabilities related to terminating questionable
contracts, and initiating processes towards greater transparency with the general public.
It must be highlighted that the President had earlier released an abridged version of the report,
accepting the recommendations of KPMG and sternly directing immediate remedial measures. In
compliance with President Akufo-Addo’s directives, the GRA has terminated its Transaction
Audit and External Verification Service (AEVS) contract with SML, suspended the Upstream
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit portions of existing contracts, and amended the
Measurement Audit for the Downstream Petroleum Products Contract by revising the fee
structure to a fixed fee. Additionally, the GRA has committed to thoroughly reviewing other
provisions, including service delivery expectations, termination clauses, and intellectual property
rights.
"Akufo-Addo's government has shown a strong commitment to transparency by releasing the full
report," a governance expert remarked. He emphasized that by addressing the concerns outlined
in the KPMG report, the administration is reaffirming its dedication to fiscal responsibility and
accountability in governmental affairs. This action portrays the NPP administration as responsive
to citizen feedback, projecting it as a government that listens and acts in the public interest. Such
transparency fosters trust and confidence among citizens, crucial for sustaining democratic
governance and promoting socio-economic development.
