Raymond Abloh, a renowned activist and columnist, has strongly argued that the new NDC administration’s anti-corruption campaign dubbed ORAL’s effectiveness will define a new era in Ghana’s democratic evolution.
He expressed hopes in the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and with the guidance of Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, who chairs the Constitutional Review Committee.
“Amazingly, after crying for decades over how our own countrymen and countrywomen and foreigners plunder national and public resources with careless abandon at the least opportunity, when ORAL was formed, some laughed at it, expecting it to fail. They ‘foretold’ how it shall amount to nothing.”
Raymond Abloh, a renowned Activist and Columnist
According to Aborh, failing that, they have now resorted to claims of persecution, witch-hunting, and unfair prosecutorial decisions by the Attorney General.
In his view, a major challenge in Ghana’s fight against corruption has been the long-standing perception that high-profile individuals can escape accountability.
To him, many corrupt officials, emboldened by a history of legal technicalities and political interference, have engaged in financial malfeasance with impunity.
Abloh argued that this belief in invincibility has fueled systemic looting across multiple sectors.
“Actually, this heart-tearing looting prevailed with the notion that these nation wreckers of looters are the smartest in this country; they’re the most intelligent thieves; they could cover their backs; when they’re even caught, they could use some of the loot and legal technicalities to have their way.
“This has been the thinking of this set of looters for a very long time.”
Raymond Abloh, a renowned Activist and Columnist
Significantly, Abloh acknowledged the contributions of some NPP members who have come forward with information about financial misdeeds.
He sees this as an indication that Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, are growing increasingly weary of unchecked corruption.
He further called for clergymen and traditional leaders, who have often used their influence to shield corrupt individuals under the guise of national unity, to be held accountable if they attempt to obstruct justice.
According to him, such actions are part of the broader problem that needs to be addressed.
The High-Stakes Cyber Fraud Case
The urgency of ORAL’s mission has been reinforced by recent revelations from the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, regarding a high-profile cyber fraud case.
The case involves former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director General, Kwabena Adu Boahene, and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, who are accused of orchestrating a financial scam tied to the procurement of cyber intelligence equipment.
The fraudulent scheme allegedly siphoned millions in public funds under the guise of national security operations.
The case has reignited calls for a comprehensive lifestyle audit of government officials, a demand spearheaded by Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education.
Mr Cudjoe argued that without stringent financial scrutiny, corrupt officials will continue to manipulate procurement processes for personal gain.
The revelations surrounding Adu Boahene and his wife further validate the necessity of ORAL. If left unchecked, such corrupt practices would continue to cripple Ghana’s economic growth and undermine public trust in state institutions.
Abloh emphasized that the battle against corruption is not one between President Mahama’s administration and a handful of accused individuals, but rather between Ghana and those who seek to plunder its wealth.
The Consequences of Failure
Despite the overwhelming support for ORAL, Abloh issued a stern warning, asserting that if this administration fails to recover stolen assets, it will face significant political consequences.
According to him, Ghanaian citizens have become increasingly vocal in their demand for justice, and failure to deliver tangible results could lead to severe backlash.
Historically, previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administrations have struggled to prosecute corruption cases effectively, leading to widespread disillusionment.
Abloh stressed that the President Mahama government must not repeat these past mistakes, adding that the expectations are high, and the stakes even higher.
According to him, if ORAL is perceived as merely another bureaucratic exercise with no real impact, the political ramifications could be severe.
Ultimately, Abloh’s commentary underscores a broader theme: the need to make corruption unrewarding and excruciatingly painful for perpetrators.
He called on all Ghanaians to reject those who enable corrupt practices, whether through legal maneuvers or political protection.
At this defining moment, Abloh noted that Ghana has an opportunity to break free from its legacy of financial mismanagement and impunity.
President Mahama’s administration, therefore, carries a tremendous responsibility. It must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to this cause, ensuring that corrupt individuals are held accountable and that national resources are safeguarded for future generations.
Abloh strongly concluded that the fight against corruption is not just about the present—it is about securing the future of Ghana and its unborn generations.
“We must make corruption unrewarding!!! We must make it very painful to engage in it!!” he remarked.
