SML Scandal: Ken, Aide, Damoah Absent, 5 Granted GH¢250 Million Bail

The High Court in Accra has granted bail to five accused persons in the ongoing Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) scandal, even as former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, his aide Ernest Darko Akore, and former GRA Commissioner-General Kwadwo Damoah were absent from proceedings.

The trial commenced on December 12, 2025, with charges linked to controversial revenue assurance contracts awarded to SML.

Present in court were:

Emmanuel Kofi Nti – former GRA Commissioner-General

Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah – former GRA Commissioner-General

Isaac Crentsil – former Customs Commissioner

Evans Adusei – CEO of SML

Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) itself

All pleaded not guilty to charges including:

Causing financial loss to the state

Corruption and related offences

Using public office for profit

Procurement-related offences

Each accused was granted GH¢50 million bail, totaling GH¢250 million, with two sureties to be justified. They must surrender their passports and report weekly to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Execution of bail was suspended until December 15, 2025, due to court closing hours.

Ofori-Atta and Akore are reportedly in the United States, with the OSP seeking extradition. Damoah, a sitting MP, did not appear, with his lawyer arguing that service of notice was improperly executed while Parliament was in session. The court rejected a request by the Special Prosecutor for a bench warrant, ruling that MPs are protected from service while Parliament is sitting.

The OSP accuses the defendants of causing GH¢1.4 billion in financial loss by enabling SML to “pretend to perform services” under the contracts. They face 78 counts of offences, including conspiracy, false certification, and entering into agreements binding government finances without parliamentary approval.

The case has been adjourned to December 17, 2025, when Damoah’s plea will be taken.