Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona, a Ghanaian journalist and consumer advocate, has filed a petition with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to freeze and investigate a controversial contract awarded by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to Tata Consulting Services (TCS) of India.
The petition alleges that the contract, intended for an Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) for the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division, was awarded through irregular processes.
Key Allegations in the Petition
1. Existing Contract with Axon Information Systems: Dowuona argues that the GRA has an active contract with Axon Information Systems, a Ghanaian firm that developed the Ghana Integrated Tax Management and Information System (GITMIS). This contract, signed in January 2024, demonstrates Axon’s capability in managing tax systems.
2. Lack of competitive procurement: Despite Axon’s proven track record, Dowuona claims that the GRA, under Commissioner-General Julie Essiam, awarded the contract to TCS without a competitive procurement process, violating established tender protocols.
3. Abrupt Cancellation of Bidding Process: The petition details that the GRA cancelled the procurement process in August 2023, citing budget cuts. Just a month later, the GRA invited TCS to submit a combined technical and financial proposal, effectively sidelining other bidders.
4. Security Surrounding the Contract: The existence of the contract with TCS became public only during a PAC hearing in June 2024. Dowuona questions whether the GRA Board was fully informed about the contract at the time it was executed.
5. Misrepresentation Before Parliament: Dowuona has previously addressed the PAC regarding what he alleges to be perjury by Commissioner Essiam.
During her testimony, she claimed that Axon ranked fourth in the bidding process and that TCS had the lowest bid—statements he contends are false based on KPMG’s review, which showed that two other bidders offered lower prices than TCS.
Requests to the Special Prosecutor
Dowuona is asking the OSP to:
Investigate the award process for the contract with TCS.
Freeze the execution of the contract until the investigation is concluded.
Prevent any upfront payments to TCS, citing that the existing contract with Axon is valid until May 2025.
Industry Reaction and Implications
This scandal raises serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the GRA. Observers have called for a thorough investigation to ensure adherence to fair procurement practices in Ghana’s public sector.
The unfolding situation is being closely watched, with significant implications for future government contracts.
As the petition awaits a response from the OSP, stakeholders, including industry analysts and civil society groups, are keen to see how this case develops and what actions will be taken to uphold public trust in procurement processes.