The MP for North Tongu and a key member of the Operations Recover All Loots (ORAL) team Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has delivered a scathing critique against the opposition minority for criticizing and jesting against team Operation Recover All Loots (O.R.A.L.).
He pointed out the corruption and state capture in Ghana’s public office in the just ended Akuffo Addo-Bawumia administration.
Ablakwa lamented the lack of integrity in public service, where individuals prioritize personal enrichment over national interest.
He highlighted the neglect of essential services such as housing for doctors, which compromises their ability to respond to emergencies effectively. He emphasized;
“It’s as if we come into public office to just loot. You don’t see any love for country. Let me grab as much as I can grab and, to hell with the next generation.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu
He further charged the minority for exploiting citizens resulting in the displacement of public servants. He emphasized;
“In the name of [redevelopment], they use all kinds of guises, Oh, we are doing infilling, you know, all kinds of terminologies. And it’s all targeted at one objective; Political class looting, let’s grab for cheap.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu
Ablakwa defended the ORAL team’s efforts to safeguard state assets, emphasizing that their actions are in the best interest of the nation.
Moreover, he expressed disappointment in the minority leader and some parliamentarians during the vetting of the four ministerial appointments, for attempting to discredit ORAL’s mission instead of supporting the initiative. He added;
“We are trying to protect state assets. We are the good guys for crying out loud. The bad guys are those who are paying 1,600, 1,200,000, 10000 cedis for land that you can’t even get if you have a $1,000,000.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu
The MP further bemoaned the corruption involved in land acquisition, where lands are sold at cheap prices to the political elite, making it impossible for ordinary Ghanaians to afford. He lamented;
“If you’re not part of those who have looted lands, how can you be buying companies’ land for 160,000 Ghana cedis? They are making nonsense of the majority of Ghanaians who are working hard.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu
In furtherance, Ablakwa pointed out the scandal surrounding the National Cathedral project, which he described as the “world’s most expensive pit,” accusing those involved of engaging in state capture and embezzlement.
“If you are not part of those who have pocketed our $58,000,000 in the name of building a national cathedral,’’ why do you have to shiver? he charged.
He criticized the lack of accountability and transparency in managing public funds allocated for the project.
Call for Accountability and Justice
He urged public officials to maintain integrity and accountability, emphasizing that public office should not be a license to plunder state resources. He reitrated;
“What are you telling all these hardworking Ghanaians? That all you need is a license to come into public office, be a politician, get an appointment, and then you can just grab whatever you want?’’
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s statement underscores the urgent need to address corruption and state capture in Ghana’s public institutions.
His call for integrity, transparency, and accountability resonates with the broader public’s demand for a fair and just society.
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