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SML’s minerals contract an attempt to reintroduce Agyapa deal – Bright Simons
Bright Simons, the Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, has expressed concern about a new contract that was set to be awarded to the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
He revealed that SML had signed a contract to receive 0.75 percent of every mineral Ghana would sell if the Fourth Estate hadn’t exposed their operations.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi TV’s Point of View, Mr Simons argued that the new contract was essentially an attempt to reintroduce the Agyapa deal.
“Until the Fourth Estate intervened with its exposé, and IMANI joined, this matter would not have been at the stage it is currently in. We were going to give them an additional contract, and that contract would have required that for every barrel of oil we produce in this country, we must give them 0.75 percent, that’s almost a dollar, every barrel,” he said.
According to him, “Every mineral such as gold, diamond, manganese, that every time we sell, we must give them 0.75 percent. The pattern of analysis is not about performance. Our argument is that this is Agyapa suit and tie, this is basically an attempt to reintroduce Agyapa [deal]. After Agyapa failed, that is for the upstream.”
The Agyapa royalties deal, which aimed to securitise Ghana’s mineral resources for development and cost $12 million, was abandoned due to strong opposition.
Mr Simons added that between 2016 and 2022, SML was the largest recipient of money in the energy sector.
“SML was the biggest recipient of money in the entire energy sector from the energy taxes in 2016 to 2022. Per the amount distribution…the amounts of money we paid to key agencies like Volta River Authority, Electricity Company of Ghana, out of taxes per year, compared to the about two hundred something per year they are receiving is lower,” he said.
On January 2, President Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to audit the contract between the GRA and SML. Following the submission of its report, KPMG disclosed that SML had been paid a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to the present.
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.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
