President Mahama Cancels all SML Contracts: A Landmark Move for Accountability in Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama’s decisive order on October 31, 2025, to immediately cancel all contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has sent ripples across the nation. This landmark directive follows a scathing investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which uncovered significant irregularities and alleged statutory breaches.
For many Ghanaians, this decision isn’t just about terminating a contract; it’s a profound statement on public trust and the prudent management of national resources. With preliminary estimates suggesting over GHS 5 billion in savings for the country, President Mahama’s action signals a pivotal moment in Ghana’s ongoing quest for transparency and accountability in governance.
What Happened: The SML Saga Unfolds
The SML contracts have been a hot topic in Ghana, shrouded in suspicion almost from their inception. It was the relentless investigative journalism of Manasseh Azure Awuni, Adwoa Adobea-Owusu, and Evans Aziamor-Mensah that first brought the alleged flaws to light, ultimately pushing for the OSP’s crucial inquiry.
President Mahama had previously pledged in 2024 that an NDC government under his leadership would not uphold these “shady SML deals,” setting the stage for this recent action. Even before the presidential directive, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), under the previous Akufo-Addo administration in May 2024, had taken steps to terminate SML’s Transaction Audit and External Verification Service (AEVS) contract and suspended other components, indicating an earlier recognition of issues.
Unpacking the Allegations: The OSP’s Damning Revelations
The OSP’s exhaustive investigation, concluding on October 30, 2025, unearthed a series of critical findings:
No Genuine Need: The OSP concluded that SML’s services were largely unnecessary.
“Self-Serving Patronage”: Contracts were allegedly secured through influence, “based on false and unverified claims,” rather than merit.
Competence Gaps: SML reportedly lacked the necessary infrastructure and competence to deliver the contracted services.
Statutory Breaches: Alleged criminal conduct during negotiation, approval, and implementation, with key regulations under the Public Financial Management Act and Public Procurement Act reportedly bypassed.
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and the OSP also pointed to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the alleged “mastermind” behind the “outrageous” SML contracts, accusing him of orchestrating a scheme that led to significant financial loss for the state. SML was reportedly incorporated shortly after Ofori-Atta’s appointment in 2017, with the GRA soon after seeking to sole-source the company.
Expert Insights: Commendation and Caution
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, whose work was instrumental in exposing the SML issues, lauded President Mahama’s decision. He stated, “This is a commendable move by President Mahama. He has acted on his promise, and the estimated $500 million (over GHS5 billion) saved is a significant win for Ghana.” Awuni emphasized the critical role of sustained public vigilance in ensuring such issues do not recur.