SML drags OSP to CHRAJ over abuse of power

Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the company contracted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to provide nationwide revenue assurance and transactional audit services, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), alleging administrative injustice, abuse of power, and violations of its constitutional rights following the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) June 2025 raid on its offices in Osu and Tema.

In filings dated 12th and 13th November 2025, SML seeks an independent investigation into the actions of the OSP, led by Lead Investigator Albert Akurugu, accusing him of bias, conflict of interest, and deliberate sabotage of its operations.

The petition cites violations of Article 218 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 7 of the CHRAJ Act, 1993 (Act 453), and calls for sanctions against public officers found to have acted unlawfully.

West Blue Failures And SML’s Engagement

SML traces the origins of the dispute to 2017, during which the West Blue system, then used by the Customs Division for pre-arrival to CCVR operations, reportedly suffered major operational failures, enabling widespread revenue leakages.

These included undervalued FOB entries, misclassification of goods, and under-declarations.

Regulatory enforcement at the time led to the revocation of Customs House Agent licences for several companies, including His Majesty Freight Services Ltd. and J.B.S. Haulage & Construction.

Following the exposure of West Blue’s shortcomings, the GRA engaged SML in 2018 to implement transactional audits and revenue assurance measures. Within two months, SML reported fiscal recoveries exceeding USD 1.35 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of its interventions in rectifying systemic lapses.

Alleged Retaliatory Animosity And Pre-Raid Threats

The petition outlines a history of alleged hostility from Akurugu, who SML claims resented the company for “taking over” the functions previously associated with West Blue.

Statements attributed to him, including threats during interrogation of SML’s CEO Evans Adusei and former Customs Commissioner Isaac Crentsil, allegedly included declarations to ensure SML would “never work again” and that its servers would be rendered inoperative.

Days prior to the June 10, 2025 raid, directors of the previously sanctioned companies sent threatening messages referencing past regulatory actions, which SML interprets as evidence of a coordinated campaign of intimidation.

The Raid And Alleged Evidence Mismanagement

During the OSP operation, SML claims that servers, firmware, firewalls, and SCADA components were seized and destroyed.

CCTV systems were reportedly dismantled beforehand, allegedly obstructing evidence of the conduct of the OSP agents. The company maintains that the handling of its digital infrastructure violated both national and internationally recognized forensic standards, resulting in operational collapse and significant financial damage.

Post-Raid Report And Alleged Misrepresentation

SML contends that the OSP report published after the raid was biased, mischaracterizing the company as inexperienced and exaggerating the competence of West Blue.

The petition argues that critical evidence of SML’s fiscal recoveries and systemic corrections was suppressed, while the founder’s extensive entrepreneurial experience was disregarded.

Relief Sought from CHRAJ

In its petition, SML requests that CHRAJ:

Investigate the OSP’s actions for bias, personal animus, and administrative injustice.

Examine the conduct of Albert Akurugu and the possible oversight or complicity of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

Order the release of interrogation video recordings for independent review.

Recommend sanctions against public officers found culpable.

SML CEO Evans Adusei, in a verification statement, affirmed the accuracy of the petition and appended extensive documentation, including historical performance reports, correspondence, and evidence from the raid, as part of its submission.