The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has intensified its investigation into the controversial revenue assurance contract involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), confirming the arrest of Freeman Sarbah, the GRA’s acting Head of Legal. Mr. Sarbah was taken into custody as part of the ongoing probe into the lucrative deal. He is being investigated for alleged involvement in corruption and corruption-related offenses, as well as potential obstruction of justice concerning the specifics of the GRA-SML contract.
This action by the OSP marks a significant escalation from mere inquiry to direct legal enforcement against a high-ranking official within a key state institution.
The arrest places the focus squarely back on the GRA-SML contract, a deal that has been a magnet for public controversy and official scrutiny regarding its financial implications and actual effectiveness in achieving its intended purpose. The contract was established to provide revenue assurance services in the downstream petroleum sector, a service intended to curb under-declaration and boost state revenue.
However, critics and policy analysts have repeatedly raised questions about the contract’s overall value-for-money, the scope of its services, and the huge sums of money reportedly paid to SML. The widespread public concern over the deal’s transparency and legality ultimately prompted the OSP to launch a formal investigation into the matter.
The current proceedings underscore the government’s commitment to tackling corruption in state institutions, particularly those managing public finances. By targeting a senior legal figure like Mr. Sarbah, the OSP is signaling its intent to hold accountable those in positions of authority who may have facilitated or benefited from illicit activities related to the SML contract.
The charges of obstruction of justice suggest that investigators may have encountered resistance or attempts to conceal information relevant to the probe. The Special Prosecutor’s office is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and potentially seek prosecution, which could shed more light on the inner workings and beneficiaries of the highly contested revenue assurance agreement.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
