OSP Arrests GRA’s Acting Head of Legal Over SML Corruption Probe
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested the Acting Head of Legal at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Freeman Sarbah, in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and obstruction of justice related to the GRA–Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.
According to the OSP, Mr Sarbah’s arrest forms part of a broader probe into suspected financial irregularities and procurement-related breaches uncovered in the multi-million-cedi revenue assurance deal between the GRA and SML.
Wider Corruption Charges Imminent
The arrest follows a press briefing by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, on Thursday, October 30, where he announced that his office will charge former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and several former GRA officials with corruption and corruption-related offences by the end of November 2025.
Mr Agyebeng said the OSP’s investigation has uncovered substantial evidence of financial misconduct involving senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and individuals connected to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
“The outcome of the investigation is that the OSP will charge the following persons with various corruption and corruption-related offences before the end of November 2025,” Mr Agyebeng stated.
The individuals expected to face charges include:
Ken Ofori-Atta, former Minister for Finance
Ernest Akore, former Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance
Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General, GRA
Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General, GRA
Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner, Customs Division, GRA and General Manager, SML
Kwadwo Damoah, former Commissioner, Customs Division, GRA, and current MP for Jaman South
The OSP is also pursuing the recovery of an estimated GHS 125 million believed to have been lost to the state through irregular payments and contractual breaches under the SML arrangement.
Presidential Directive to Terminate SML Contracts
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate termination of all existing contracts between the Government of Ghana and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), following the OSP’s findings.
The directive was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, and addressed to the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
The letter instructs that all termination processes be carried out “swiftly and in full compliance with all applicable financial and legal procedures.”
It further stated that the decision reflects government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public resources.
The move brings to a head months of public scrutiny surrounding the GRA–SML partnership, which has been at the centre of allegations of overvaluation, duplication of functions, and questionable procurement practices.
