Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine has dismissed claims that the government’s anti-corruption programme under Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) is losing momentum, insisting instead that the initiative is expanding and delivering results across multiple high-profile prosecutions.
Responding to criticism from the Minority in Parliament, Dr Ayine maintained that ORAL remains fully active and has become a central pillar of the government’s anti-corruption strategy under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
He argued that rather than slowing down, ongoing prosecutions are placing pressure on accused persons and demonstrating the effectiveness of investigations carried out by his office.
Dr Ayine challenged critics to examine the record of corruption cases initiated under his tenure, arguing that the scale of prosecutions is unprecedented in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
According to him, the growing number of cases before the courts is evidence of stronger investigative work rather than weakness in the ORAL framework.
He added that the legal pressure created by these prosecutions reflects the seriousness of the government’s anti-corruption agenda and the depth of ongoing investigations.
“I am the first Attorney General in the history of the Fourth Republic to have brought five corruption cases in one year. Go back and check the records. What is happening in court now is rather putting pressure on them because they know that I have been so diligent in my investigations.”
Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine
Multiple High Profile Cases in Court
A number of major corruption-related cases are currently progressing through Ghana’s courts under the ORAL initiative, covering allegations involving financial loss to the state, illegal mining, cybercrime, and payroll fraud.
One of the most closely watched cases is The Republic v. Solomon Asamoah and Another, commonly referred to as the Sky Train case, which involves allegations of misapplication of $2 million intended for the Accra Sky Train project. The prosecution has already closed its case, and proceedings continue before the court.
Another major trial is The Republic v. Akonta Mining and Three Others, where the accused face charges of illegal mining activities within the Nimiri Forest Reserve. The case is currently ongoing with cross examination of prosecution witnesses.
The cybercrime related prosecution, The Republic v. Kwabena Adu Boahene and Two Others, involves allegations of stealing, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state estimated at GHS 49.1 million connected to a cyber defense contract. The case is being heard at a specialised court.
In addition, The Republic v. Bernard Antwi Boasiako and Two Others concerns alleged financial crimes linked to illegal mining activities in Samreboi. That case is currently at the case management stage.
The Attorney General’s office is also pursuing a major payroll fraud investigation under the National Service Authority involving alleged ghost names and diversion of public funds. Former officials, including former Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi, are among those facing prosecution.
Another high profile case involves the National Food Buffer Stock Company, where former Chief Executive Officer Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife are standing trial for allegedly stealing and laundering over GH¢60 million.
Separately, the Attorney General has filed fresh charges against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with alleged fraud involving more than GHS 30 million at the Ghana Export Import Bank. The case adds to earlier prosecutions involving the same political figure.
Over 280 Corruption Cases Under Investigation
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that more than 280 corruption related cases are currently under active investigation, with over 20 additional dockets at advanced stages ready for prosecution.
Officials say the expanding caseload reflects a more aggressive approach to financial crime and public sector accountability. Dr Ayine argued that these figures demonstrate sustained institutional effort rather than any decline in effectiveness of the ORAL initiative.
He maintained that the scale of ongoing investigations shows that the government is strengthening enforcement mechanisms across multiple sectors of the economy.
ORAL Described as Active and Expanding
The Attorney General rejected suggestions that attention has shifted away from ORAL, insisting that the initiative remains central to government anti-corruption policy and is progressing steadily through both investigations and prosecutions.
He said claims that the programme is failing are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of ongoing work within his office. “ORAL is on track and ORAL is going to succeed,” he stated.
Dr Ayine added that the volume of cases being pursued demonstrates both the seriousness of the government’s approach and the effectiveness of investigative processes. He suggested that increased court activity is a sign of progress rather than weakness, as more cases move from investigation into formal prosecution.
The Attorney General reiterated that the Mahama administration remains committed to fighting corruption through legal action, institutional strengthening and sustained prosecution of offenders.
He emphasized that accountability remains a core priority, with ongoing efforts aimed at recovering public funds and ensuring that those responsible for financial crimes are held to account.
According to him, the ORAL initiative will continue to expand as more cases are completed and brought before the courts.
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