Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML), the company accused of receiving a controversial 10-year contract from the Ministry of Finance, has issued a statement to the Fourth Estate, the media that published the “GH¢3 billion bogus documentary”. filed a lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit filed on Thursday, February 15th, SML claims that the publication caused irreparable damage to its reputation in the public domain.
As a result, SML claims that these damages are negatively impacting its operations and seeks appropriate measures to remedy the situation.
SML is currently seeking damages totaling £10 million. The statement of claim states the amount for defamation is 1 million, and the amount for punitive damages for reckless and malicious reporting is 9 million.
“The plaintiff alleges that the fierce backlash from the public resulting from the defendants’ false reporting has had a negative impact on the plaintiff’s business.”
“Plaintiff alleges that despite the Defendants’ publication of rebuttals to the false reports, the Defendants have failed or refused to retract or apologize to the Plaintiff for the false information they have consistently disseminated.” There is.”
It also requests a permanent injunction against the publication of further defamatory material, a retraction and apology, and such other orders as the High Court deems appropriate.
In its December 2023 investigation report, the Fourth Division pointed to the involvement of Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance.
The report alleges that the GRA awarded SML a purported 10-year contract paying it $100 million a year, raising concerns about possible wrongdoing.
SML refuted this claim, claiming it had instead signed a five-year contract.
In a statement on December 20, 2023, GRA asserted that proper procurement procedures were followed.
On January 3, 2024, the SML welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s directive to suspend its ongoing revenue guarantee operations and undergo an audit of its contracts with the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.
President Akufo-Addo appointed KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory services firm, to conduct the immediate audit.
SML expressed confidence that the audit provides a clear and accurate depiction of its operations.
However, President Akufo-Addo extended the restrictions given to audit firm KPMG to complete the audit as requested by audit firm KPMG.
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