In a significant moment for Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) Committee, presented the final report of the initiative to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency.
The ORAL Committee, formed with the aim of recovering misappropriated state assets, has been a crucial part of President Mahama’s anti-corruption efforts. In his remarks, Ablakwa expressed deep gratitude to the President for entrusting the team with the responsibility of executing this vital national service. He also highlighted that the work was carried out pro bono, with members sacrificing their time and expertise for the good of the nation.
Ablakwa outlined the origins of the initiative, noting that Operation Recover All Loot was one of President Mahama’s core campaign promises, driven by the widespread public outrage over corruption and the dissipation of state resources. He recalled that it was on December 18, 2024, when President Mahama, then the President-elect, appointed the ORAL Preparatory Team to begin the critical work of addressing these concerns.
The team, which included prominent figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domlevo, retired COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, lawyer Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer, was tasked with creating platforms for citizens to report corruption, state asset theft, and other forms of financial mismanagement. Ablakwa noted the significant public response, with the team receiving a total of 2,417 complaints—1,493 via the toll-free hotline and 924 through emails—demonstrating the initiative’s importance in providing an outlet for citizens to voice their concerns.
“The public response affirms the relevance and timeliness of this intervention. Without Operation Recover All Loot, these voices would have had nowhere to turn,” Ablakwa said, stressing the success of the initiative in its first phase.
He commended President Mahama for his foresight in establishing a channel that not only addressed corruption but also promoted transparency and accountability in government.
Ablakwa also outlined the immediate successes of ORAL, citing key examples of state assets that had been protected through the team’s vigilance. One such example was the prevention of the demolition of 50 public servant bungalows, some of which were slated for destruction by private developers. The team acted swiftly by liaising with the National Security Committee, which intervened to prevent these demolitions.
Additionally, the team was instrumental in halting the unlawful encroachment of the Northern Development Authority lands at Cantonments, saving valuable government property from being stolen by private developers.
Ablakwa also cited instances where ORAL’s efforts helped stop the illegal takeover of state vehicles and properties across the country, all thanks to prompt action taken after receiving distress calls from concerned citizens.
“These are only a few of the many instances where Operation Recover All Loot has saved vital national assets. We acted as responsible citizens, ensuring that the state’s resources were protected,” Ablakwa explained.
Ablakwa also highlighted the broader impact of ORAL, noting that the initiative has served as a peaceful, non-confrontational platform for citizens to address concerns about corruption.
“Without ORAL, tensions during the transition period could have escalated. The initiative provided a structured, formal way for the public to report issues, preventing potentially volatile situations from escalating.”
Another important aspect of the ORAL Committee’s work, Ablakwa pointed out, was the establishment of a platform for individuals involved in state asset misappropriation to voluntarily come forward and offer to return stolen resources.
He further revealed that international collaborations had been initiated to trace and recover loot hidden offshore, with several countries expressing a willingness to assist Ghana in this endeavor.
Ablakwa wrapped up his remarks by presenting some eye-opening figures. He mentioned that, based on detailed investigations, the ORAL team had identified 36 high-value cases that could potentially lead to the recovery of up to 20.49 billion U.S. dollars. In addition, the value of state land improperly acquired during previous administrations was estimated to be worth over 702.8 million U.S. dollars. The combined total of potential recoveries, he added, could reach a staggering 21.19 billion U.S. dollars— far exceeding the amount Ghana had sought from international lenders like the IMF.
“We are confident that with continued efforts, the full recovery of these funds will not only support national development but also send a strong message to those seeking to exploit the state,” he concluded.
The ORAL initiative has demonstrated that transparency, accountability, and public engagement are key components in the fight against corruption. With the report now handed over to President Mahama, the next phase of the operation will focus on recovering the misappropriated resources and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
As Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to the President and the team of advisors, he emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against corruption, regardless of any challenges.
“The work does not end here. We are committed to ensuring that Ghana’s resources are restored to the people.”
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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