The High Court has approved an Ex-parte motion filed by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) for Substituted Service against Manasseh Awuni Azure of The Fourth Estate.
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, SML initiated a defamation lawsuit against The Fourth Estate and Manasseh Awuni Azure, seeking general damages totaling GHS1,000,000.00.
Furthermore, SML requested a retraction and apology from The Fourth Estate “With the same coverage, means, and prominence with which the false information was published.”
Following a court order issued on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the court directed that Manasseh Awuni Azure be served with the writ of summons and statement of claim “by posting copies on the Notice Board of the High Court, Law Court Complex, Accra, and also by posting copies on the premises of the 1st Defendant.”
Background
The Fourth Estate released an investigative piece in December 2023 indicting SML, the GRA, and the Ministry of Finance. Fourth Estate accused GRA of awarding SML a 10-year contract that accrues SML $100 million annually. It also raised concerns about alleged underhand dealings.
SML, after the report was released, debunked claims of being awarded a 10-year contract duration, insisting that it has been given a 5-year contract instead.
The Ghana Revenue Authority, in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, affirmed that its board and management followed the right processes in procuring the services of SML.
SML, on January 3, 2024, welcomed a directive by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ordering it to suspend its ongoing revenue assurance operations and allow an audit to proceed into its contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance.
The President gave the directive on January 2, 2024.
He also appointed the audit, tax, and advisory services firm, KPMG, to conduct an immediate audit of the transaction.
SML, in a statement, believed the outcome of the audit will help establish a clear and accurate picture of its operations.
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