President-elect John Dramani Mahama has announced the formation of a five-member team tasked with leading the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagship initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). This initiative, a key part of Mahama’s campaign promises, aims to combat corruption, reclaim looted state resources, and enforce accountability in Ghana’s public sector.
ORAL, prominently featured in Mahama’s 120-day social contract agenda, is designed to address systemic corruption and financial impropriety. It seeks to restore public trust in state institutions, reclaim misappropriated funds, and provide fiscal relief for national development.
A circular issued on December 18 by the Office of the President-elect introduced the team members, who bring diverse expertise to this ambitious effort. They include legal, financial, and investigative professionals who will spearhead the recovery of state resources and set the tone for a transparent administration.
### The Five-Member ORAL Team
The team comprises the following notable personalities:
1. **Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa** – Chair of the team and Member of Parliament.
These individuals, known for their expertise and integrity, have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that misappropriated state funds and assets are identified, reclaimed, and returned to the public coffers.
### A Key Campaign Promise
Operation Recover All Loot gained national attention on September 4, 2024, when civil society organizations and NDC-affiliated groups staged a protest at the Ministry of Finance. The demonstrators, including students and private citizens, accused the outgoing government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of gross financial mismanagement.
The protest highlighted public discontent with corruption and the urgent need for reforms to strengthen governance and restore confidence in state institutions. Mahama responded by making ORAL a cornerstone of his campaign, vowing to prioritize transparency and accountability upon assuming office.
### Restoring Public Trust
Speaking about the initiative, Mahama emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. He noted that corruption has not only drained state resources but also eroded public trust in government.
“The people of Ghana deserve leaders who serve with integrity and prioritize the welfare of the nation. Operation Recover All Loot will send a clear message that no one is above the law, and state resources must be used for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” Mahama stated during his campaign.
He further explained that ORAL is not just about recovering lost funds but also about laying the foundation for a transparent and accountable government.
### The Task Ahead
The ORAL team faces a monumental task. Corruption in Ghana’s public sector has been a long-standing issue, with allegations of financial impropriety frequently making headlines. Recovering stolen resources will require extensive investigations, legal proceedings, and international collaboration.
Daniel Domelevo, the former Auditor-General and a member of the ORAL team, is widely regarded as a champion of accountability. During his tenure, he uncovered significant cases of financial mismanagement, earning him public admiration. His expertise will be instrumental in identifying and reclaiming looted funds.
Similarly, investigative journalist Raymond Archer brings years of experience in uncovering corruption and exposing unethical practices. With a strong track record of impactful journalism, Archer is expected to play a crucial role in gathering evidence and exposing wrongdoing.
Martin Kpebu, a prominent lawyer, is well-known for his advocacy for good governance and justice. His legal expertise will be critical in ensuring that recovered assets are lawfully secured and those responsible are held accountable.
### Public Support and Expectations
Ghanaians have expressed high hopes for the success of ORAL. Many believe that the initiative will set a new standard for accountability and discourage corruption in future administrations. However, critics argue that previous efforts to combat corruption have yielded limited results, and they urge the incoming government to ensure that ORAL does not become another unfulfilled promise.
Civil society groups have also called for transparency in the process, urging the ORAL team to provide regular updates on their progress. They believe that engaging the public will not only build trust but also encourage citizens to report cases of corruption and financial misconduct.
### Looking Ahead
Operation Recover All Loot is expected to begin immediately after Mahama is sworn into office in January 2025. The initiative will be closely monitored by Ghanaians, who are eager to see tangible results.
As Mahama prepares to take office, his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance will be put to the test. The success of ORAL could set a precedent for future administrations, signaling a new era of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s public sector.
For the five-member ORAL team, the mission is clear: recover looted state resources, hold culprits accountable, and restore faith in governance. Their work will not only shape the legacy of Mahama’s administration but also determine the trajectory of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0