The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately cancel what it describes as an unnecessary and financially wasteful contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

According to the Association, the contract continues to drain over $1.4 million from state coffers each month, despite a 2024 presidential directive suspending SML’s upstream petroleum agreement and a subsequent audit conducted by KPMG.

The group argues that the downstream component of the deal remains in force and is redundant, as its functions are already being carried out by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit described the ongoing payments to SML as a violation of prudent financial management, particularly at a time when the country is facing significant economic challenges.

“This contract undermines principles of good governance and fiscal responsibility,” Mr. Awingobit stated.

He further demanded full public disclosure of all payments made to SML since 2018 and called for the prosecution of any public officials found complicit in the arrangement.

He noted that the Association’s call adds to growing public scrutiny over the SML deal, with stakeholders urging greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.