OSP Arrests GRA Legal Head Over SML Corruption Deal
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
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 issued on its official social media platforms on Monday, November 3, the OSP confirmed that Mr. Sarbah is under investigation for suspected corruption, corruption-related offences, and obstruction of justice in connection with the SML deal.
The SML contract, which tasked the company with providing revenue assurance services in the downstream petroleum sector and other areas, has come under intense public scrutiny. Allegations of inflated costs, questionable procurement processes, and concerns about the legality and scope of SML’s operations have fuelled controversy over the agreement.
The OSP initiated its investigation following reports of procurement breaches and conflicts of interest, which have since expanded to include senior officials from both the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.
According to the OSP, preparations are underway to prosecute several individuals implicated in the SML contracts by the end of November 2025.
Those expected to face charges include former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, former GRA Commissioners-General Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, alongside other senior GRA officials and former advisors at the Ministry of Finance.
The OSP stated that its ongoing investigation has uncovered evidence of alleged corruption, abuse of office, and breaches of procurement laws in the award and execution of the SML contracts.
