Prime News Ghana

SML scandal: Special Prosecutor arrests GRA’s acting Head of Legal

By Vincent Ashitey
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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested Freeman Sarbah, the Acting Head of Legal Affairs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), for his alleged involvement in corruption and obstruction of justice related to the controversial GRA–Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.

In a statement on Monday, November 3, the OSP confirmed that Mr. Sarbah is under investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences, as well as obstruction of justice connected to the GRA–SML deal.

The contract, which engaged SML Ghana to provide revenue assurance services in the downstream petroleum sector and other areas, has been the subject of public scrutiny and criticism. Reports of inflated costs, questionable procurement processes, and concerns over the legality and scope of SML’s operations have heightened controversy around the agreement.

The OSP launched its probe following allegations of procurement breaches and conflicts of interest. The investigation has since widened to include several senior officials from both the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.

According to the OSP, preparations are underway to prosecute a number of individuals implicated in the SML contracts by the end of November 2025.

Those expected to face charges include former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, former GRA Commissioner-Generals Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, as well as other senior GRA officials and former advisors at the Finance Ministry.

The OSP’s ongoing investigation has so far uncovered evidence pointing to alleged corruption, abuse of office, and breaches of procurement laws in the award and execution of the SML contracts.