Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, has criticized the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration for its alleged mismanagement of Ghana’s public finances. Speaking on PM Express with Evans Mensah, Ablakwa expressed disappointment over what he described as a betrayal of public trust by the administration that once vowed to safeguard the nation’s resources.
“When President Akufo-Addo came to power, he promised to protect the public purse. Sadly, it turned out that the purse needed protection from his administration,” Ablakwa lamented. His statement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the urgency of his team’s mission to investigate and expose corruption.
The ORAL Team, created to restore accountability, will compile evidence on suspected corruption cases and submit findings to institutions like the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Attorney General’s Department. Ablakwa clarified that his team is not mandated to prosecute but to gather and analyze evidence for further action by relevant bodies.
“Our job is to provide actionable evidence. We are neither prosecutors nor judges. Our role ends where theirs begins,” Ablakwa stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the team’s work with Ghana’s legal and investigative institutions.
He assured Ghanaians that the team’s approach would remain objective, ensuring cases presented have substantial evidence. “If the evidence is weak, it will not feature in our reports. We are committed to fairness and due process,” he added.
Ablakwa’s appointment aligns with his history of advocating transparency and exposing corruption. As a Member of Parliament for North Tongu, he gained a reputation for uncovering scandals, earning nicknames like the “Interceptor General.” Reflecting on his past work, Ablakwa revealed that the evidence he had collected over the years played a significant role in shaping the ORAL Team’s focus.
“It would be unpatriotic to sit on this evidence. As citizens, the Constitution mandates us to ensure public resources are used for the benefit of all, not a select few,” he said. Ablakwa highlighted several high-profile cases, including the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal and the Pwalugu Dam project, as requiring immediate scrutiny.
He dismissed fears of a witch-hunt, reassuring the public that the team’s work would target only those involved in wrongdoing. “There’s no agenda to malign anyone. Those who have served with integrity have nothing to fear. However, those who have looted and mismanaged public funds must be prepared to account for their actions,” Ablakwa asserted.
The initiative aims to rebuild public trust in governance, which Ablakwa believes has been eroded by years of unaddressed corruption. “Corruption has fostered a culture of impunity, but this ends now. We must demonstrate that no one is above the law and that our institutions can deliver justice,” he said.
Ablakwa also highlighted the broader consequences of corruption on national development. He stressed that billions of cedis lost to corruption could have been invested in improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. “Every cedi misappropriated is a cedi stolen from a struggling Ghanaian,” he remarked.
Public reactions to the ORAL Team’s formation have been mixed. While some commend the initiative as a bold step toward accountability, others remain skeptical about its potential impact. Critics have raised concerns about political interference and the ability of Ghana’s institutions to act decisively on the evidence provided.
In response, Ablakwa expressed optimism, urging citizens to support the team’s efforts. “This is not about politics or partisanship; it’s about Ghana. We need collective action to ensure a better future for all,” he said.
Ablakwa’s bold stance against corruption has also reignited debates about the legacy of the outgoing administration. Former President Akufo-Addo’s promise to protect the public purse now stands in stark contrast to the allegations leveled against his government. Political analysts argue that the ORAL Team’s work will play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the administration’s tenure.
As the ORAL Team begins its mission, the spotlight remains on Ghana’s ability to address corruption effectively. The outcomes of their investigations could mark a turning point in the country’s fight against graft and set a precedent for holding leaders accountable.
Ablakwa concluded with a call to action, urging all Ghanaians to embrace the values of transparency and accountability. “We must all play our part. This is not just about recovering funds but about restoring faith in our democracy and ensuring a better Ghana for future generations,” he said.
The ORAL Team’s efforts represent a new chapter in Ghana’s fight against corruption, one that promises to reclaim resources and strengthen the country’s democratic foundations. The journey may be challenging, but with commitment and support, it holds the potential to reshape Ghana’s governance landscape.
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