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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
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
