President-elect John Dramani Mahama has put together a five-member team to lead the charge in preparing for the implementation of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) once he officially takes office on January 7, 2025.
The primary objective of this team is to gather information from various sources, including the public, on suspected corruption cases in anticipation of the launch of ORAL. This initiative is a key component of Mahama’s commitment to recovering embezzled state funds and holding corrupt officials accountable, particularly those from the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration.
According to a statement released on December 18 by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the NDC’s transition spokesperson, the team is comprised of the following members:
1. Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Chairman
2. Mr Daniel Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
3. COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye
4. Mr Martin Kpebu – Private Legal Practitioner
5. Mr Raymond Archer – Investigative Journalist
The statement underscored the importance of the anti-corruption agenda, with Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) serving as a cornerstone of Mahama’s policy platform during the 2024 campaign. The incoming administration is committed to swiftly acting on these promises.
Meanwhile, the incoming NDC government has made it clear that they intend to reverse any last-minute hirings, payments, and promotions made by the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
This decision comes in the wake of tensions between the NPP and NDC transition teams over alleged eleventh-hour decisions made by various agencies, such as the Interior Ministry, Ghana Revenue Authority, and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
In a statement issued on December 17, the NDC transition team condemned these actions as acts of bad faith and pledged to nullify them once power is officially transferred.
In response to these allegations, Fatimah Abubakar, spokesperson for the NPP transition team, refuted the claims. Speaking to Joy News on December 17, she maintained that there was no agreement in place to halt last-minute appointments and that the outgoing administration was well within its rights to make administrative decisions.
As the transition of power approaches, the political landscape in Ghana is set for significant changes, with the ORAL initiative signaling Mahama’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and restoring accountability in government.