SML sues OSP over illegal seizure of its essential revenue monitoring equipment
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) has filed a lawsuit at the High Court in Accra against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), claiming that the agency unlawfully seized its servers and equipment in a raid that caused the immediate collapse of a nationwide petroleum and minerals monitoring system.
The writ of summons, filed on November 10, 2025, demands the return of all equipment and seeks special damages of $28,850,125.50, as well as GH₵20 million in general damages from the anti-corruption office.
The legal action follows a heavily militarized search and seizure operation conducted by the OSP at SML’s offices on June 10, 2025. According to the statement of claim, officers removed 29 different types of equipment, including seven servers, multiple computers, laptops, and the proprietary “SML Nova Mineral Analyzer.”
SML stated that the seizure caused the immediate collapse of the secure communication chain linking all 25 depots to the central data center, resulting in a total halt of real-time data flow. The company, which has a contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to provide revenue assurance services, explained that the seized central server contains uniquely engineered firmware and software that cannot be replaced with off-the-shelf components.
The company argued that the OSP’s approach was reckless and unlawful, claiming that instead of using forensic imaging or cloning to preserve business continuity, the officers forcibly removed physical hardware, destroying SML’s operational capacity nationwide. The firm also accused the OSP of deliberately removing CCTV systems during the raid to prevent video evidence of the operation.
To restore services to the GRA, SML said it had to spend over $28 million reconstructing its entire technological environment, a cost it is now seeking to recover from the OSP.
“WHEREFORE, THE PLAINTIFF claims against the Defendant as follows:
a) A declaration that the Defendant’s detention of servers, san storage, SML Nova Mineral Analyzer, SML Nova Mineral Scale, CCTV’ systems, computers, laptops, external hard drives, mobile phones, printers belonging to the Plaintiff is unlawful
b) An order directing the Defendant to return the SML Nova Mineral Analyzer, SML Nova Mineral Scale, CCD/ systems, computers, laptops, external hard drives, mobile phones, printers currently in the unlawful possession of the Defendant to the Plaintiff.”
Established under Act 959, the OSP is mandated to investigate and prosecute corruption and corruption-related offences. The lawsuit raises questions about the office’s investigative methods and the legal limits of its powers in handling complex digital infrastructure.
