The spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu has slammed the critics Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) committee.
His statements highlight the need for a structured mechanism to address allegations of wrongdoing in government, particularly in the post-election period.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu began by addressing concerns about the legality of ORAL, which was established when John Mahama was president-elect. He explained that the office serves as a channel for gathering information on alleged misconduct, but does not have prosecutorial powers. He reiterated;
“We have not said anywhere that ORAL can invite you, and accuse you of doing a, b, c, d, and exact retribution against you. They cannot do that. They themselves are aware.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He further explained that ORAL’s role is similar to that of investigative journalism, stating;
“All you do is to inform the Ghanaian public and perhaps relevant authorities that you have this information relating to corruption and that they should look into it. That is all that ORAL is doing.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the necessity of structuring complaints in a manner that enables due process.
He pointed out that the immediate aftermath of elections often leads to a flood of allegations, which requires a system to handle them efficiently. He added;
“It was necessary to begin work to structure these complaints in a manner that will be beneficial to anybody who takes them over to look into through due process.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He stressed that ORAL has received numerous substantive leads, some backed with credible evidence, which are then referred to appropriate investigative bodies for further action.
“I don’t think that the critics of ORAL are being fair. It appears to me that they are setting their own questions and answering them.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He argued that ORAL’s critics fail to recognize that the office is purely for information gathering, not for prosecuting or arresting individuals. He reaffirmed;
“Those who have the power to effect arrest are known. Those who have the power to take people to court and present evidence before a court of competent jurisdiction are also there.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
Addressing Illegal Mining (Galamsey)
Moreover, Hon. Kwakye Fosu touched on the issue of illegal mining, or Galamsey, which was a major campaign focus. He emphasized;
“President Mahama is committed to the fight and it will be a ruthless fight. He definitely abhors Galamsey and will be taking firm, stern, decisive action to tackle the problem.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
He emphasized the need for comprehensive actions to address the deep-rooted problem of Galamsey, which involves powerful individuals profiting from it.
“Galamsey is a deep-rooted problem. Over time, powerful people in society spread across the entire strata are profiting from this and are behind the people doing this.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson of President John Dramani Mahama
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu praised President Mahama’s courage and political will to take decisive actions, even if it means offending supporters within his political party.
He criticized the previous administration for lacking the political will to tackle Galamsey comprehensively, stating; “That is what President Akufo-Addo could not do, that’s the courage that he could not muster.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks underline the necessity of ORAL as a mechanism for structuring complaints of wrongdoing and ensuring due process.
He also reinforced President Mahama’s commitment to tackling illegal mining through decisive and comprehensive actions.
The response aims to clarify misunderstandings and defend ORAL’s role in promoting accountability and reconciliation in governance.
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