Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah Taken Into Custody Over Controversial $100M Contract

Former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, along with two other former officials, has been taken into custody over their alleged roles in the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) scandal. The arrests are linked to a controversial US$100 million revenue assurance contract that raised concerns over procurement breaches and lack of value-for-money assessments. Dr. Owusu-Amoah is accused of authorizing the deal without proper oversight during his extended tenure. The investigation, triggered by revelations from Manasseh Azure and civil society pressure, marks a major step in Ghana’s fight against high-level public sector corruption.

Ama Boah Ama Boah
Jun 25, 2025 - 10:01
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Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah Taken Into Custody Over Controversial $100M Contract
Former GRA Boss Rev. Ammishadai Owusu Amoah

Former GRA Commissioner-General and Two Officials Detained Over SML Scandal

Accra, June 25, 2025 – Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), along with two other former GRA officials, are currently in custody in connection with the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) scandal, according to exclusive information obtained by ManassehAzure.com.

Allegations and Arrests

The arrests come on the heels of a high-stakes investigation into the controversial, approximately US$100 million revenue assurance contract between the GRA and SML. The contract had drawn intense scrutiny when the Fourth Estate uncovered discrepancies in its procurement and implementation—raising concerns among lawmakers and civil society groups regarding its legitimacy and potential conflict of interest.

Rev. Dr. Owusu-Amoah, who served as GRA head until March 31, 2024, has been accused of authorizing the deal without satisfactory value-for-money justification. The two other ex-GRA officials remain unnamed, but are said to have played significant roles in operationalizing the agreement.

 Investigative Timeline

  • January 2024: MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa publicly alleged that Dr. Owusu-Amoah and his family fled Ghana using ordinary passports shortly after the contract was subjected to audit by KPMG.

  • GRA Response: The Authority refuted the claims, stating he was on a pre-approved six-day leave, and that all audit-related engagements were being managed in his absence.

  • April 2024: President Nana Akufo-Addo retroactively approved two consecutive contracts for Dr. Owusu-Amoah; extending his tenure despite surpassing mandatory retirement age, amid growing legal scrutiny.

  • CSO Pressure: Civil Society Organizations including IMANI, ACEP, and Fourth Estate called for transparency and full disclosure of the KPMG report, citing concerns over the fairness and transparency of the contract award process.

Current Developments

  • Custody: As of late June 2025, Dr. Owusu-Amoah and two former GRA officials have been detained by Ghanaian authorities as part of the ongoing corruption probe into the SML contract.

  • Inquiry Scope: The investigation seeks to determine whether due procurement protocols were followed, whether the contract offers value for money, and whether any officials used their office to facilitate personal or political gain.

  • Next Steps: Legal teams for the accused are reportedly preparing defense statements, and authorities are expected to produce official charges soon. Meanwhile, civil society groups continue to demand full publication of the KPMG audit and any new findings from ongoing investigations.

Context & Background

  • Contract Controversy: The SML deal, spearheaded during Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s tenure attracted heavy criticism for its opaque signing process and unusually generous payment structure in exchange for revenue assurance services.

  • Legal & Ethical Concerns: Questions have also been raised around Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s eligibility, given that he remained in office well past retirement age (60) under retroactive contracts—prompting inquiries into his authority to sign such major agreements.

  • Audit Findings: Although KPMG’s initial audit reportedly flagged value-for-money issues and statutory breaches in the contract, the full report has yet to be released publicly.

Significance

This marks one of Ghana’s most significant anti-corruption interventions in recent memory, targeting high-level public officials and signaling zero tolerance for procurement irregularities. Transparency advocates are calling on the government to fully publish all investigation outcomes to restore public trust and enforce accountability at the highest levels.

In summary, the detention of Dr. Owusu-Amoah and his former colleagues underscores escalating accountability measures in Ghana’s public sector. With the full legal process now underway, the nation awaits further developments in what has been a long-running saga around the SML contract.

Source:

myjoyonline.com

3news.com

gna.org

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