GACL Last-Minute Multi-Million Cedi Contract: SML Disguised at Kotoka International Airport Exposed

Understanding public procurement transparency in Ghana: In late 2024, amid heightened political scrutiny before the December elections, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) awarded a significant revenue assurance and auditing contract. This deal, valued at multi-million cedis, went to Evatex Logistics Limited—a firm primarily known for mining and stevedoring services with no documented prior experience in such specialized auditing. Allegations of irregularities, including potential backdating and board-level initiation, have sparked debates on accountability at Kotoka International Airport.

Introduction

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), responsible for managing key facilities like Kotoka International Airport, plays a vital role in the nation’s aviation sector. In a development reported on November 12, 2025, by Life Pulse Daily, GACL faced questions over a last-minute contract awarded three days before the December 2024 general elections. The contract for innovator assurance and auditing services—often termed revenue assurance in public audits—was granted to Evatex Logistics Limited.

This story draws parallels to the earlier Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) controversy involving revenue contracts with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Watch the full investigative video below for primary evidence:

Why This Matters for Ghanaians

Public contracts like this one directly impact taxpayer funds. Transparent procurement ensures value for money, prevents corruption, and builds trust in state institutions. Keywords like “GACL SML Kotoka contract” highlight ongoing public interest in aviation sector accountability.

Analysis

To dissect this GACL contract scandal, we must first understand revenue assurance. This process involves independent audits to verify revenue collection accuracy, prevent leakages, and optimize earnings—crucial for state-owned enterprises like GACL, which reported billions in annual revenue from Kotoka Airport passenger fees, concessions, and landings.

Timeline of the Evatex Logistics GACL Deal

• Award Date: Three days prior to the December 7, 2024, elections.
• Contractor Profile: Evatex Logistics Limited specializes in mining support and stevedoring (cargo handling), lacking verifiable experience in revenue or innovator assurance auditing.
• Backdating Claims: Documents suggest the contract may have been post-dated after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the elections, raising questions on timing and intent.

Paul Adom-Otchere’s Role

Paul Adom-Otchere, the immediate past board chairman of GACL, addressed allegations during a discussion featuring Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare and Frank Mantey. He did not deny introducing Evatex Logistics to GACL and confirmed that the procurement process originated at the board level, bypassing standard departmental channels.

This admission underscores how board influence can shape high-value deals, a pedagogical point on governance hierarchies in Ghanaian public enterprises.

Summary

In summary, the GACL awarded Evatex Logistics Limited a multi-million cedi revenue assurance contract at Kotoka International Airport shortly before the 2024 elections. Labeled by critics as “SML disguised at Kotoka,” the deal mirrors the SML-GRA scandal due to non-specialized contractors and irregular timing. Paul Adom-Otchere’s statements provide key insights, while the full video offers visual documentation. This case exemplifies challenges in Ghana’s public procurement, emphasizing the need for rigorous oversight.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For citizens, journalists, and watchdog groups monitoring Ghana public procurement, here’s actionable guidance:

Steps to Verify Public Contracts

1. Access PPDA Portal: Use the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) website to check tender notices and awards.
2. FOI Requests: File Freedom of Information requests under Act 989 for contract documents.
3. Track Timelines: Compare award dates with election calendars or fiscal year-ends to spot irregularities.
4. Review Contractor Credentials: Cross-check company registrations on the Registrar General’s Department site for expertise alignment.
5. Engage Media: Platforms like Life Pulse Daily amplify verified exposés—contribute tips ethically.

For Businesses Bidding on GACL Tenders

Build a track record in revenue assurance via certifications from bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG). Document all procurement interactions to demonstrate compliance.

Points of Caution

• Avoid Assumptions: While timing raises flags, official investigations are needed before labeling corruption.
• Disclaimer Note: Views in discussions (e.g., the video) represent panelists, not endorsing entities like Multimedia Group Limited.
• Political Sensitivity: Election-period contracts warrant extra scrutiny but must not fuel partisan divides without evidence.
• Contract Value: “Multi-million cedi” is reported; exact figures require GACL disclosure.
• Evatex’s Defense: No public response noted; await balanced reporting.

Comparison

Comparing this GACL-Evatex deal to the SML scandal provides pedagogical value on recurring patterns in Ghana’s revenue assurance contracts.

SML vs. Evatex Logistics: Side-by-Side

Both cases highlight risks when non-specialists secure specialized audits, potentially undermining efficiency at facilities like Kotoka Airport.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended, contracts must follow competitive bidding unless sole-sourced with justification. Key provisions include:

Relevant Laws and Potential Violations

• Section 21: Open competitive tendering required for high-value contracts.
• Section 40: Board approvals must align with PPA thresholds; bypassing departments could breach fiduciary duties.
• Backdating Risks: Violates contract law principles (Contract Act, 2010 – Act 832) and could trigger audits by the Auditor-General under Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution.
• Post-Election Scrutiny: The new administration may invoke the Procurement Board’s review powers (Section 84).

No court rulings yet; implications hinge on verifiable evidence from the video and documents. GACL must publish details per PPA transparency rules.

Conclusion

The GACL’s last-minute multi-million cedi contract to Evatex Logistics at Kotoka International Airport, amid “SML disguised” allegations, underscores the imperative for robust procurement safeguards in Ghana. Paul Adom-Otchere’s disclosures illuminate board dynamics, while the full video serves as a public record. Strengthening institutions like the PPA ensures aviation revenues benefit all Ghanaians. Stay informed on GACL contract updates to demand accountability.

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