GRA defends contract with Safaritech Ghana, says it’s delivered well

The Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA has denied having any contract with Safaritech UK while defending its contract with Safaritech Ghana. GRA released a statement to clarify the issue after it was issued with a two-week ultimatum by James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.

Sam George, a member of the Public Accounts Committee alleged that Safaritech Ghana had been delisted and its office is now a barber shop. The allegations raised concerns about the credibility of the company.

However, GRA has now provided information about its relationship with the company while distancing itself from Safaritech UK.

“To begin with, the Authority in executing its mandate as a public service organization, carries out due diligence, particularly when engaging the services of third parties to assist in mobilizing revenue. In the specific case of Safaritech Ghana Limited, (SGL) GRA took reasonable and appropriate steps to satisfy all legal requirements to procure the services of SGL to carry out forensic audits on telecommunication companies in Ghana among other services.”

According to the authority, it “sought the necessary buy-in and acceptance of its Top management and Board of directors before obtaining approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to use the single-source procurement method for the engagement of SGL in accordance with Section 40 (1) (a) of the Public Procurement Act 2003, (Act 663) as amended.”

Also, the authority revealed that the contract with Safaritch Ghana was signed in 2018, contrary to media reports that it was signed in 2020.

“Subsequently, a contract for the determination and assessment of tax revenue for telecommunication companies in Ghana was signed between GRA and SGL on 17^th July 2018 and not in 2020 as was reported by some sections of the media.”

GRA added that it did not sign any contract with Safaritech UK and has no business relationship with it.

“It must be noted that the Authority has not signed any contract with Safaritech UK, and has no business dealings with that entity.”

Safaritech Ghana Limited’s work in the country saw telecommunication giant, MTN slapped with GH¢8.2 billion tax liability. It was reported that the company’s London headquarters was dissolved on March 16, 2021, and it had maintained only virtual addresses since its incorporation in 2016.