Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised fresh concerns about Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), suggesting that the company’s recent posture amid its ongoing controversies appears to be an attempt to pressure the state.
Awuni claimed that there were “calls made” during investigations into SML, hinting at possible behind-the-scenes interference.
While refraining from naming individuals, he insisted that the company’s latest statements and threats of legal action resembled an intimidation strategy.
“If you dig deep, don’t take my word, you would realise that when SML was being investigated, there were calls made,” he stated speaking on JoyNews monitored by MyNewsGh.
“This looks like blackmail, we are going to sue, we are going to do this. They should go to court.”
Awuni further referenced the ongoing involvement of the company’s legal representatives, suggesting political connections within the case.
“I hear the lawyer patronizing Dominic, who is the Attorney General. And if the Attorney General, Dominic, knows what I know, he would defend the nation’s interest,” he said.
He argued that cancelling a contract does not automatically entitle a company to compensation, citing the example of the Power Distribution Services (PDS) case.
“Just yesterday, we heard that PDS wanted huge sums of money from the state after the cancellation of the contract, they got none. It isn’t every time that someone’s contract is cancelled and the state would pay,” Awuni asserted.
Calling SML’s recent press conference an act of “blackmail,” the journalist urged the company to pursue its claims through the proper legal channels.
“If there’s money to be taken, we have to take it from SML,” he said. “This press conference looks like blackmail, and if they have good evidence to push for any payment, they should proceed to court.”
