The controversy surrounding Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has ignited a nationwide debate, prompting calls for a thorough and impartial evaluation of its operations. Renowned industrial strategist Professor Douglas Boateng has emerged as a key voice, advocating for an independent assessment to fully understand the potential benefits and risks associated with SML’s activities. His appeal underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making and a comprehensive understanding of the platform’s potential impact on Ghana’s financial stability.

Professor Boateng’s stance centers on the belief that a rush to judgment, without a deep dive into the SML-fused data platform, could jeopardize a strategic national asset. He urges key stakeholders to conduct thorough investigations. This call comes at a crucial time, as Ghana navigates complex economic challenges and seeks innovative solutions for revenue assurance and financial stability. The debate around SML highlights the tension between the need for transparency and accountability and the potential for technological solutions to address systemic challenges.

Professor Boateng is urging the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to conduct independent visits and assessments of SML. This invitation extends to all stakeholders involved in oversight and governance, emphasizing the need for a fact-based understanding of the SML platform. He believes that the more oversight and scrutiny the better. This transparent approach, according to Boateng, is crucial for building public trust and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the nation.

During a high-level strategy dialogue, Professor Boateng underscored the long-term national and continental relevance of the SML-fused data platform. He emphasizes that the platform should be seen as a strategic national asset. He is concerned that people are looking at this as just technology, when it is, in his view, a key to financial success for the nation.

The potential impact of **SML** on Ghana’s financial position is a key aspect of Professor Boateng’s argument. He highlights that the platform is already delivering real-time revenue assurance and reducing systemic leakages across a key sector. “By 2028, Ghana could begin to feel measurable improvements in its financial position. This could support domestic infrastructure investment and reduce our recurring dependency on IMF bailouts and donor funds to bridge national budgets,” Professor Boateng explained. According to Boateng, the **SML** data platform could be transformative to the nation’s financial standing.

Addressing concerns and misconceptions about **SML**, Professor Boateng clarifies that the focus should not be on questioning the platform’s functionality, which has been independently tested and proven. Instead, he asserts, the conversation should center on understanding and communicating the underlying risk–reward framework that governs its sustainability and long-term value. The need to understand the platform completely is of utmost importance to Boateng.

Professor Boateng urges CSOs, regulators, and anti-corruption agencies to engage objectively and constructively. “Let us base our conclusions on evidence, not assumptions,” he stated. He also warned, “A nation that refuses to account for its wealth will always be counting loans,” and added, “Let Ghana not just harvest. Let her also account.” He fears without a full understanding and appropriate use of the **SML** platform, the nation will be doomed to repeat past financial woes.

“Let us not critique what we have not taken the time to understand. Let us not dismiss innovation before visiting its engine room,” Professor Boateng stated, emphasizing that Ghana—and Africa at large—stands before a generational opportunity. In his view, this is a now or never moment for the nation. Without the **SML** platform, Boateng is concerned that Ghana will fail to live up to it’s financial potential.

Professor Boateng’s call for inquiry and reflection highlights the need for a balanced and informed perspective on the **SML** controversy. By urging independent assessments and emphasizing the potential of the SML-fused data platform, he prompts stakeholders to consider its strategic relevance for Ghana’s financial future. He urges all leaders to base their conclusions on evidence not assumptions, which makes it clear that further investigation is warranted.