KEY POINTS
- Mahama vows to hold corrupt officials accountable and recover stolen assets.
- The ORAL report exposes massive financial leakages and fraud.
- The government will prosecute those involved in corruption, as such behavior will have no impunity.
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability, declaring that Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption.
Speaking at the handover of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) report in Accra on February 10, 2025, Mahama said his government will pursue legal action against individuals implicated in corruption-related offenses.
“It is with great solemnity and a deep sense of duty that I receive this comprehensive report,” Mahama stated. “From the onset of my administration, I made it clear that Ghana’s resources belong to the people and must be used for their collective good.”
Moreover, he commended the ORAL Committee for their dedication and professionalism. Also, he stated that the completed work proved that significant financial leakages caused citizens to lose access to essential healthcare services, education and infrastructure advancement.
ORAL report exposes massive financial leakages
The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee was established on December 18, 2024, with a mission to identify and retrieve stolen state assets.
Chaired by North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the committee also includes former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye, legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and journalist Raymond Archer.
Graphic Online reported that the committee revealed massive financial misuse combined with corruption through studies showing billions of public funds disappearing because of fraudulent deals.
Mahama expressed his concern about the results that appear in the report. The report reveals the enormous extent of financial losses that have cost the nation through sharp practices.
He stated that the collective action of people can help to both retrieve the country’s rightful possession and prevent additional instances of economic vandalism.
Legal action and government commitment
President Mahama assured the public that the government will take decisive action on the ORAL report’s recommendations.
Also, he handed over the report to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice with firm instructions to launch immediate investigations and prosecute those found guilty of corruption.
“To those who think they can defraud the state and escape justice, let this serve as a strong warning: Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption,” Mahama declared.
Additionally, he also commanded citizens, civil society and the media to actively track government accountability. “We must all play our part—citizens, civil society, the media, and public officials alike. Together, we will build a just, transparent, and prosperous Ghana for generations to come.”
However, the upcoming legal process of corruption investigations will prove the government’s dedication to accountability, through its final rulings.
