Mahama orders termination of all vovernment contracts with SML after OSP probe

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate termination of all contracts between the Government of Ghana and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) following findings from the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s investigation into the company’s dealings with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The directive, communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, instructed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to ensure that all existing agreements with SML are terminated without delay.

According to the OSP’s investigation, the contracts were awarded in violation of public procurement laws and lacked a clear justification for SML’s involvement. The report revealed that payments were made to the company even though there was no verifiable evidence of the services it was contracted to provide.

The investigation followed public complaints in late 2023, which alleged that the arrangements between SML, the Ministry of Finance, and the GRA could result in significant financial losses to the state. The OSP concluded its probe in early October 2025, confirming serious breaches in the award and execution of the contracts.

In the presidential directive, the Finance Ministry was reminded to follow due legal and financial procedures during the termination process to protect the state from unnecessary liabilities while ensuring accountability for any irregular payments made.

The decision reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and ending questionable contractual arrangements. The SML contracts, which have been at the centre of controversy for years due to overlapping services and poor documentation, are now being formally dissolved.

However, analysts note that the termination process could come with financial implications, as the government may still be required to address claims related to services already rendered and the company’s reported investments under the agreement.

President Mahama’s move is seen as a strong signal of his stance against corruption and his intention to restore credibility in the management of public contracts, particularly within the finance and revenue sectors.