The recent establishment of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) by President-elect John Mahama has sparked intense debate, with some critics arguing that it demonstrates a lack of trust in state institutions. Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah has expressed his reservations about ORAL, describing it as an "unconstitutional body" with no legal basis.
Assafuah's concerns are shared by Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), who views ORAL as a populist idea designed to appease the public. Addah believes that Mahama's approach to fighting corruption is misguided, and that he should have instead directed the public to report their concerns to established institutions like the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
However, Mahama has defended ORAL, emphasizing that it is not intended to investigate or prosecute individuals, but rather to gather evidence and forward it to the relevant state institutions. He has also clarified that the team will not receive any payment or budget, and that its sole purpose is to provide a focal point for the public to report corruption.
The ORAL initiative is part of Mahama's broader commitment to transparency and good governance. The five-member committee, chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, includes notable figures like former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
While some critics view ORAL as a duplication of efforts, others see it as a necessary step towards addressing the pervasive corruption that has plagued Ghana. As Mahama prepares to take office, it remains to be seen whether ORAL will prove to be an effective tool in the fight against corruption.
Key Concerns and Questions
- Lack of Trust in State Institutions: Does the establishment of ORAL indicate a lack of trust in Ghana's state institutions?
- Populist Approach: Is ORAL merely a populist idea designed to appease the public, or a genuine attempt to address corruption?
- Effectiveness: Will ORAL prove to be an effective tool in the fight against corruption, or will it duplicate efforts and create unnecessary bureaucracy?
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