Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the government’s anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), has received a staggering 2,417 complaints since its inception.
Speaking at the official handover of ORAL’s first phase report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency today, Ablakwa described the initiative as a “masterstroke” that has strengthened transparency and accountability in governance.
According to the minister, ORAL’s toll-free line recorded 1,493 calls, while 924 complaints were submitted via email, all of which have been documented for verification. “This is clear evidence that President Mahama’s intervention was not only timely but also highly relevant,” he stated.
Key Findings and Initial Recoveries
Over the past 53 days, the ORAL team has thoroughly reviewed 230 cases, with 44 petitions coming from civil society organizations and public-spirited individuals. Among the cases examined, 59 involved state assets allegedly misappropriated during the previous administration, prompting a detailed investigation.
The foreign affairs minister highlighted ten major benefits of ORAL’s operations so far, including:
1. Prevention of Demolitions:* ORAL intervened to *save 50 government bungalows that were set for demolition by private developers. Complaints from affected public servants were relayed to National Security, leading to swift action.
2. Protection of State Lands:* The task force halted attempts to seize the Northern Development Authority’s land near the U.S. Embassy, as well as agricultural mechanization lands in Tamale and state museum properties at Osu and Cape Coast.
3. State Vehicle Recovery: ORAL uncovered instances where government vehicles had their license plates changed to facilitate private use. So far, *over 100 vehicles* have been retrieved.
4. Stopping the Dubois Center Takeover: A planned private takeover of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Center was thwarted following a distress call, with the matter now referred to the Ministry of Tourism for resolution.
5. Preventing Illegal Sales of Public Lands: The review found that prime state lands were sold at giveaway prices, with some plots in Cantonments going for as low as GHS 42,000 ($3,500). ORAL has recommended that buyers be asked to pay market value or forfeit the properties.
Massive Financial Recoveries Expected
A preliminary financial assessment estimates that Ghana could recover up to $21.19 billion* if all identified assets and funds are successfully reclaimed. This includes; $20.49 billion from high-value corruption cases, $302.8 million from fair-market revaluation of looted state lands.
Among the major cases under review are controversial deals involving the *PDS agreement, GNPC salt decommissioning, and other high-profile transactions*. Ablakwa emphasized that the ORAL initiative has “exposed the sheer scale of looted state assets and provided a structured, non-confrontational channel for addressing these issues.”
The Next Phase: Actual Recovery of Looted Assets
As ORAL transitions into its next phase, the focus will shift to *retrieving stolen state assets and funds. The government has received international offers for forensic assistance in tracking offshore accounts linked to suspected corruption cases. Some beneficiaries of the looted assets have also **approached ORAL voluntarily*, expressing willingness to refund their acquisitions.
“The next phase will focus on actual recoveries, and we are optimistic that Ghana will reclaim what rightfully belongs to its people,” Ablakwa noted.
Public Endorsement and Future Prospects
The ORAL initiative has been widely praised for its role in deepening public accountability and preventing violent confrontations over state asset takeovers. Ablakwa assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to retrieving misappropriated resources and ensuring justice prevails.
With billions in potential recoveries at stake, all eyes will be on President Mahama’s next steps as the government prepares to pursue legal actions and asset reclamation efforts in the coming months.
Source: www.kumamsimail.com
