By Ashiadey Dotse
In a bold move to fight corruption and recover mismanaged public funds, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a five-member team to lead the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.
Announced on Wednesday, December 18, this program is a key pillar of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governance plan, aimed at restoring financial integrity and public confidence in state institutions.
ORAL is a central promise in Mahama’s 120-day social contract, where he pledged to make corruption an expensive crime through strict penalties for offenders and rigorous efforts to retrieve stolen state resources. He emphasized that eliminating corruption is crucial for financing national projects and building trust between citizens and government institutions.
To reinforce his anti-corruption vision, Mahama has also promised significant reforms, including a constitutional review to strengthen anti-corruption systems and a ban on politically exposed persons purchasing state assets.
The urgency of ORAL’s mission is backed by the Auditor-General’s 2023 report, which uncovered financial mismanagement amounting to GH¢8.80 billion across public institutions. The report highlighted issues like unpaid debts, unaccounted funds, and other recoverable financial irregularities.
Meet the ORAL Task Force
The five-member team brings expertise from law, auditing, law enforcement, and investigative journalism:
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Chairman
Mr. Daniel Domelovo – Former Auditor-General
COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye – Retired Police Commissioner
Mr. Martin Kpebu – Private Legal Practitioner
Mr. Raymond Archer – Investigative Journalist
Their Mission:
Investigate Corruption Cases: Scrutinize suspected corruption activities, especially those under the outgoing administration.
Recover Stolen Resources: Track and reclaim stolen or misused public funds and assets.
Prosecute Offenders: Collaborate with authorities to ensure corrupt officials face legal consequences.
High-Profile Cases Under ORAL’s Spotlight
- Presidential Jet Scandal:
ORAL will probe allegations of wasteful spending on luxury private jets by President Nana Akufo-Addo, costing millions per trip, despite the availability of a functioning presidential jet. - National Cathedral Project:
The controversial $58 million National Cathedral project remains incomplete despite huge payments to contractors and consultants. Notably, GH¢113 million went to architect Sir David Adjaye, and $6 million was paid to Cary Summers, CEO of Nehemiah Group. - Ambulance Procurement Scandal:
An alarming $34.9 million was spent on spare parts for 307 ambulances, translating to an average cost of $113,695 per ambulance—raising concerns over inflated pricing. - Sputnik V Vaccine Scandal:
Ghana reportedly paid $19 per dose for Sputnik V vaccines, nearly double the standard price of $10. Worse still, many of these vaccines were never delivered, leaving serious questions about accountability.
With Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), President-elect Mahama is sending a strong message: corruption will no longer be tolerated, and public funds will be protected. As the team begins its work, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see justice delivered and trust restored.
