The Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Nana Attobrah Quaicoe, has strongly denied allegations of illegally acquiring state-owned land and engaging with the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee to resolve the matter. In a statement issued by his legal team, the claims were dismissed as baseless, contrived, and defamatory, with a stern warning of legal action should the accuser fail to retract the statements.
The controversy arose when Martin Kpebu, a member of the ORAL Committee, publicly alleged that Nana Attobrah Quaicoe had approached the committee to relinquish a state-owned parcel of land in exchange for halting further actions against him. Kpebu made these allegations during a television appearance on the program Keypoints aired on TV3.
Strong Denial from NIB Chief
Through a statement released by his legal representatives, Kudze@Law, Mr. Quaicoe categorically denied any interactions with the ORAL Committee or its members, including its chairman, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The statement further clarified that the Director-General does not own or possess any government land obtained through illegal means.
“These allegations are false, malicious, and intended to damage our client’s reputation. Mr. Quaicoe has never engaged with Mr. Kpebu, Hon. Ablakwa, or any other member of the ORAL Committee on issues concerning state lands,” the statement read.
A Call for Retraction
The legal team, led by Saviour Quarcoo Kudze, accused Martin Kpebu of spreading falsehoods and urged him to retract the claims immediately. They also emphasized their readiness to pursue legal action if the defamatory statements were not withdrawn.
“We urge the public to disregard these unfounded accusations. They are calculated attempts to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of our client. Should Mr. Kpebu fail to issue a public retraction, we will take all necessary legal measures to protect our client’s name and rights,” the statement warned.
ORAL’s Mandate and Controversy
The Operation Recover All Loot Committee, established by President John Dramani Mahama in December 2024, is tasked with retrieving state assets unlawfully acquired by individuals, particularly during previous administrations. The committee, chaired by Hon. Ablakwa, is seen as a critical initiative to restore public confidence in the management of state resources and ensure accountability.
The ORAL Committee’s activities have sparked heated debates, with critics questioning its methods and targets. While the committee has made strides in recovering some assets, it has also faced allegations of politicization and selective justice.
Martin Kpebu, a vocal member of the committee, has been at the forefront of these efforts, often making bold claims about the recovery of state assets. However, his recent allegations against the NIB boss have added a new layer of controversy to ORAL’s operations.
Defending Transparency
In the statement issued by Kudze@Law, Nana Attobrah Quaicoe reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and adherence to due process in all his dealings. The NIB chief stressed that his tenure has been marked by accountability and that he has no involvement in any illegal acquisition of state property.
“My client has built a career based on integrity and adherence to the law. These baseless allegations are not only false but also a direct attack on his reputation and professional standing,” the legal team asserted.
Public Reaction
The allegations and subsequent denial have generated mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While some have called for an impartial investigation to ascertain the truth, others have criticized what they perceive as politically motivated attacks on public officials.
Kwame Adusei, a political analyst, remarked, “The allegations against the NIB boss highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the work of the ORAL Committee. If these claims are baseless, then they should not be made in the first place. But if there’s any merit to them, an independent investigation should be conducted.”
On the other hand, some citizens have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the ORAL Committee’s mandate for political vendettas. “This committee is supposed to recover state assets, not engage in witch-hunts. We need to see evidence before making such serious allegations,” said Akosua Asantewaa, a resident of Accra.
Legal Implications
Should the matter escalate to the courts, it could set a significant precedent for how public officials address allegations of corruption and misconduct. Legal experts have noted that the burden of proof will rest heavily on Martin Kpebu to substantiate his claims.
“If Mr. Kpebu cannot provide concrete evidence to support his allegations, he could face defamation charges. This case will test the balance between holding public officials accountable and protecting their reputations from unfounded accusations,” explained legal practitioner Ernest Nyarko.
The Road Ahead
As tensions mount, all eyes will be on the ORAL Committee and its response to the denial from the NIB boss. The committee’s mandate to recover state assets is crucial, but its credibility hinges on maintaining fairness and avoiding unsubstantiated claims.
For now, Nana Attobrah Quaicoe remains resolute in defending his name, warning that he will take all necessary steps to protect his integrity. Meanwhile, Martin Kpebu and the ORAL Committee face mounting pressure to either produce evidence supporting their allegations or issue a retraction.
This unfolding saga underscores the complexities of balancing transparency, accountability, and fairness in the pursuit of justice, particularly when state assets are at stake. As the case develops, it is likely to spark broader conversations about governance, integrity, and the politicization of public institutions in Ghana.
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