President Nana Addo Dankwa 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, President Akufo-Addo has released the 306-page KPMG report.
The decision followed 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.
It has also 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.
