The Member of Parliament for North Tongu and member of the preparatory team for President-Elect John Dramani Mahama’s anti-corruption agenda, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has embraced the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative urging the general public to support the team in combating corruption.
He explained the rationale and goals behind Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), a flagship promise of the Mahama campaign, designed to ensure accountability, recover looted state resources, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Our mandate is more of fact-finding, gathering the evidence, and serving as a vehicle for informants, whistleblowers, and patriotic citizens who have evidence to share.’’
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa highlighted the importance of this approach in ensuring no excuses are made for delays once the new administration is inaugurated.
He stressed that ORAL’s ultimate goal is to recover resources lost to corruption and state capture.
“Ghanaians voted for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for accountability so that, all of these lost resources assets of the state which appear lost to corruption will be retrieved.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa cited numerous corruption scandals that have outraged Ghanaians over the years, including:
The Sputnik V Vaccine Scandal, where $2.5 million was paid to intermediaries under questionable circumstances and the Pwalugu Dam Project, involving over $12 million with no tangible results.
The National Cathedral, which has consumed $58 million, with the Special Prosecutor and other bodies confirming procurement irregularities.
“As we speak, you do know that some people jetted into this country, claimed they were going to provide us a SkyTrain, and made their way with over $2 million, that money has not been retrieved —no value for money.’’
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa further pointed out land acquisitions under dubious circumstances, including state lands and properties such as the Labadi Beach Hotel beachfront, Parks and Gardens lands, and prison lands from Accra to Wa.
When questioned about the necessity of the preparatory team, considering the existence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He emphasized;
“The fact that we have the Office of the Special Prosecutor does not preclude us or prevent anybody from carrying out investigations, from putting together evidence, and further submitting that evidence to the various prosecutorial institutions to carry out their mandate.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa argued that the preparatory team ensures evidence is secured during the transition period. He noted;
“You should see this as a collaborative effort as the president-elect has said that he wants to really hit the ground running on ORAL. The Ghanaian people everywhere we have gone are saying ORAL is the reason why they voted the way they did. They want all the loot recovered.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
Focus on Accountability and Recovery
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the dual promise of ORAL, in ensuring responsible governance. He added;
“This committee is to receive and gather information from members of the public and other sources on suspected acts of corruption. The president-elect wants to ensure these resources are returned for the reconstruction of our country.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu Constituency
He also highlighted the contribution of experienced members, such as the former Auditor-General, who bring valuable expertise and evidence to the table.
Ablakwa reiterated the urgency of ORAL, noting that the transition period is critical for laying the groundwork for accountability.
In conclusion, Hon. Ablakwa reiterated the importance of Operation Recover ALL Loots (ORAL) as a key driver of the Mahama administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Through ORAL, the incoming administration aims to recover stolen resources and rebuild public trust in governance.
