OSP arrests GRA legal head over lleged corruption in SML contract

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested Freeman Sarbah, Acting Head of Legal Affairs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), for his alleged involvement in corruption and obstruction of justice linked to the controversial GRA–Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.

In a statement released on Monday, November 3, the OSP confirmed that Mr. Sarbah is under investigation for suspected corruption-related offences and obstruction of justice in connection with the SML deal.

The GRA–SML contract, which engaged SML Ghana to provide revenue assurance services in the downstream petroleum sector and other areas, has faced intense public scrutiny over alleged inflated costs, questionable procurement procedures, and concerns about the legality and scope of the agreement.

According to the OSP, its investigation, launched after allegations of procurement breaches and conflicts of interest has expanded to include several senior officials from both the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.

Preparations are reportedly underway to prosecute a number of individuals implicated in the deal by the end of November 2025. Those expected to face charges include former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, former GRA Commissioner-Generals Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, as well as other senior GRA officials and former advisors at the Finance Ministry.

The OSP says its ongoing probe has so far uncovered evidence pointing to alleged corruption, abuse of office, and breaches of procurement laws in the award and execution of the SML contracts.