Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has taken legal action against the Fourth Estate for the release of “The GH¢3bn Lie Documentary.”
The company claims that the publication has caused significant damage to its reputation and is seeking ¢10 million in damages.
SML argues that the publication has resulted in adverse impacts on its operations and is seeking redress for defamation and exemplary damages due to what it considers to be reckless and malicious reporting. The company is also requesting a perpetual injunction against the publication of further defamatory material, a retraction and apology, and any other orders deemed appropriate by the High Court.
The legal action stems from a December 2023 investigative report by the Fourth Estate which implicated SML, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance. The report alleged that SML had received a controversial 10-year contract with an annual payment of $100 million from GRA, which raised concerns about possible irregularities.
SML has refuted the claim, stating that it had a five-year contract instead, while the GRA maintained that proper procurement procedures were followed. President Akufo-Addo has since ordered an audit into SML’s ongoing revenue assurance operations to address the concerns raised by the report.
The audit, being conducted by audit, tax, and advisory services firm KPMG, was welcomed by SML, which expressed confidence that it would provide a clear and accurate depiction of its operations. However, the audit timeline has been extended following a request from the audit firm.
The outcome of the legal action and the ongoing audit will be crucial in determining the impact and implications of the allegations made against SML in the “The GH¢3bn Lie Documentary.”
