Anti-corruption campaigner, Mr. Edem Senanu, has called for the continuation of team O.R.A.L (Operation Recover All Loots) regarding the role of OR.A. L and its potential dissolution following the appointment of Dr. Dominic Ayine as Attorney General.
His comments highlighted the importance of the committee and the impact it has had on facilitating whistleblowing in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, a special aide to the President noted that Oral is a preparatory team to receive as much information as possible while the government sets its administration in place. As a result, Oral ends when the Attorney General assumes office.
According to Mr. Senanu, the committee’s existence has been pivotal in encouraging citizens to come forward. He added;
“The personalities on the committee imbue citizens with confidence in terms of if we give information, these are personalities who have handled information with good results in the past, and so we don’t feel at risk or fear a backlash.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Anti-Corruption Campaigner
According to him, this trust is essential in a country where many citizens are hesitant to report corruption due to fear of exposure and retribution.
Despite criticisms that state institutions should handle the roles performed by Team Oral, Mr. Senanu argued that the committee’s work is unique and necessary.
“I don’t think that they have an adequate understanding of the role that the committee is playing. The committee is facilitating a whistleblowing platform which is not the clear mandate of any institution at the moment.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Anti-Corruption Campaigner
He further referenced recent Afro barometer reports which indicate that 30% of Ghanaians are reluctant to report corruption due to fears of backlash and skepticism about receiving any results.
Mr. Senanu asserted that Team Oral’s work complements existing mechanisms rather than undermining them.
He believes that the committee has played a crucial role in improving Ghana’s historically poor record on whistleblowing.
Dissolution of Team Oral, Office of the Attorney General
With the anticipated appointment of Dr. Dominic Ayine as Attorney General, there are discussions about dissolving Team Oral.
Mr. Senanu expressed reservations about this move, suggesting a more cautious approach. He recommended;
“My view would be that let’s take a little longer to see how well this works because we have had a very poor whistleblowing historical record.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Anti-Corruption Campaigner
He saw no conflicts or overlaps between Team Oral and other institutions, describing it as a “complementary mechanism” essential in the Ghanaian context.
Discussing Dr. Ayine’s capability, when asked if he believes the Attorney General’s office in the anti-corruption fight, Mr. Senanu expressed confidence in his [AG] experience and qualifications. He added;
“I believe so. I mean, he has enough experience and very appropriate experience. I mean, he’s been a deputy attorney general before. He’s not new to the terrain.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Anti-Corruption Campaigner
Mr. Senanu believes that Dr. Ayine’s prior roles in government and academia equip him well for the position. However, he noted;
“One of the things you would need to work very well with is collaborating with the institutions of states who are mandated to look at good governance, anti-corruption.”
Mr. Edem Senanu Anti-Corruption Campaigner
He stressed that the Attorney General alone cannot bring about the desired changes without strong partnerships with other state institutions.
Mr. Edem Senanu’s perspective is a comprehensive understanding of the significance of Team Oral and the potential implications of its dissolution.
In conclusion, his insights underscore the committee’s role in enhancing whistleblowing mechanisms in Ghana and the need for cautious consideration before making any structural changes. Additionally, his confidence in Dr. Dominic Ayine highlights the potential for continued progress in the anti-corruption agenda under capable leadership.
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