A coalition of Ghanaian civil society organizations (CSOs) focused on extractives, anti-corruption, and good governance has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to immediately terminate the contract with Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML). In a December 11th letter, the coalition—comprising The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), iWatch Africa, Revenue Mobilization Africa (RMA), Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa), IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Centre for Extractives and Development (CEDA), Institute of Energy Security (IES), and Human Environment and Livelihoods Platform Foundation (HELP Foundation Africa)—argues that the SML contract has resulted in the diversion of millions of Ghana cedis without providing equivalent benefits to the nation.
They believe termination will curb significant revenue leakage and restore public trust in financial management. Beyond the SML contract, the CSOs recommended several key reforms:
• Termination of the Agyapa Royalties Deal and Review of the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act: The coalition urges the complete termination of the Agyapa Royalties Deal, citing widespread public opposition and its perceived threat to Ghana’s mineral wealth. They also advocate for a comprehensive review of the MIIF Act.
• Reduced Political Interference in the Energy Sector: The CSOs call for a reduction in political interference in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) within the energy sector, specifically targeting the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Ghana Gas, to foster leadership stability and operational efficiency. They also advocate for addressing persistent challenges within the energy distribution value chain impacting sector performance and profitability.
The coalition expressed its willingness to support President-elect Mahama’s administration in implementing these reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
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