By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who are focused on Extractives, Anti-Corruption, and Good Governance has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to terminate the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) contract.
They argue that the agreement has redirected millions of Ghana Cedis into private ownership without yielding sufficient benefits for the country.
In a letter, they stressed that ending the contract, they believe, would address a significant revenue loss and rebuild public confidence in financial management.
The coalition, which includes groups like the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), and IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, among others, has submitted recommendations for enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
One key proposal is the cancellation of the Agyapa Royalties deal, which they see as a threat to Ghana’s mineral wealth and a source of public disapproval. They also suggest revising the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act to align with national interests.
Additionally, the CSOs emphasize the need for reforms in the energy sector. They urge the new administration to reduce political interference in state-owned enterprises such as the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Ghana Gas to improve leadership stability and operational efficiency. They noted that addressing systemic issues in the energy distribution chain is also recommended to enhance the sector’s overall performance and profitability.