Author: Peter Martey Agbeko || APR
The word “oral” might conjure various meanings in the English language, but in Ghana today, ORAL refers to a singular initiative: the Operation Recover All Loot campaign.
Launched by the incoming NDC government, this ambitious program seeks to recover state funds and properties that have been wrongfully acquired.
While the campaign has been met with a mix of optimism and skepticism, its success or failure will determine its legacy.
Will ORAL prove to be a worthwhile exercise, or will it become yet another campaign that raises expectations without delivering significant outcomes? Only time will tell.
The ORAL Team: A Formidable Force
The names behind the ORAL initiative are indeed formidable. For those who have engaged in questionable or illegal activities, the mere mention of these individuals could be enough to induce sleepless nights, runny tummies, and splitting migraines.
Their reputation precedes them, and their mandate is clear: to leave no stone unturned in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to the state.
The members of the team include the following;
1. Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Chairman
2. Mr Daniel Domelovo-Former Auditor-General
3. COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye
4. Mr Martin Kpebu-Private Legal Practitioner
5. Mr Raymond Archer-Investigative Journalist.
However, their work must be guided by principles of fairness, objectivity, and integrity.
Any perception of bias or witch-hunting could undermine the entire initiative, turning public support into criticism.
It is crucial for the ORAL team to operate transparently and to be accountable to the public they serve.
A Helping Hand for the OSP and Attorney General
One argument in favour of ORAL is that it will complement and facilitate the work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the incoming Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
By identifying and recovering assets in question, ORAL could provide a solid foundation for legal actions and prosecutions, ensuring a smoother path to justice.
Public Expectations and Oversight
As a Ghanaian citizen, I am prepared to remain open-minded and adopt a “wait-and-see” approach. It is our duty as citizens to monitor the work of the ORAL committee, ensuring that their operations align with the principles of justice and accountability.
At the conclusion of their work, the public will undoubtedly assess their performance against expectations. The scorecard will reveal whether ORAL was a transformative initiative or just another empty promise.
One thing is certain: Ghana’s future is at stake, and the success of initiatives like ORAL could signal a turning point in the fight against corruption and the mismanagement of public resources. For now, we watch, we wait, and we hope for meaningful outcomes.
