Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) has initiated legal action against the Fourth Estate and journalist Manasseh Awuni for defamation, demanding GHS10 million in damages following the controversial ‘GH¢3 billion lie report’.
The lawsuit comes in response to the Fourth Estate’s December 2023 investigative report, which implicated SML, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance. The report alleged irregularities surrounding a purported 10-year contract between SML and GRA, prompting President Akufo-Addo to order its suspension and subsequent audit by accounting firm KPMG.
In the lawsuit, SML alleges that the false reportage has significantly impacted its operations and reputation, despite publishing rejoinders to clarify the inaccuracies. The company claims that the defendants failed to retract or apologize for the misinformation, leading to severe backlash from the public.
Reacting to the suspension of the contract for audit, SML’s management welcomed the decision, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and accountability. They expressed confidence that the audit would vindicate the integrity of their collaboration with GRA and the Ministry of Finance.
