ORAL committee receives 400 reports of suspected corruption cases in 24 hours

The Chairman of the five-member Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the team received over 400 reports of suspected corruption cases within 24 hours of launching its anonymous reporting portals.

According to him, these reports are accompanied by documents and reflects the confidence Ghanaians have in the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate to combat corruption.

In a statement dated December 20, the committee introduced platforms for citizens to anonymously report suspected corruption cases. Information can be shared via the following channels: toll-free number and WhatsApp—0800 900 111, website—www.oralgh.org, and email—[email protected].

Speaking in an interview on TV3, Ablakwa highlighted the significance of President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s anti-corruption agenda in his incoming administration:

ORAL will be investigating corruption cases, establishing a specialised task force to scrutinise suspected corruption cases under the previous administration. Then it will also carry out recovery of misappropriated state resources.

It will prioritise the retrieval of state funds, property, and assets and re-channel them for national development. It will also prosecute offenders, committing to prosecuting individuals or entities found guilty of embezzling public resources.

He further explained that the appointment of the five-member committee is temporary and does not intend to undermine the authority of any existing anti-corruption agency in the country:

So, a very limited duration within this transition period until such a time that the Attorney General is appointed. President Mahama said that within 14 days he will announce his cabinet and then go to parliament for the necessary vetting and approval. As soon as the Attorney General takes office, we will present our report.

Ablakwa also mentioned specific cases under the team’s consideration, including the National Cathedral project, the ambulance spare parts scandal, and COVID-19 expenditure, among others.

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