In the wake of mounting concerns surrounding the newly established Preparatory Anti-Corruption Team, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has clarified the purpose and objectives of the body.
The team, which has come under scrutiny by critics who fear it may become a tool for political witch-hunting according to President-Elect Mahama, was set up to collect evidence and assist in addressing corruption allegations ahead of Mahama’s inauguration into office, on January 7th, 2025.
Speaking during a meeting with the members of the team in his office, the former President explained that the formation of ORAL was not intended to target specific individuals or investigate corruption directly, but rather to act as a focal point for the accumulation of evidence related to ongoing corruption scandals under the current administration.
“Since the announcement of the preparatory anti-corruption (ORAL) Team, I think people have misunderstood it. We’re receiving a lot of information on things that are going wrong in the outgoing government;
“I mean, corruption, scandals, and all that. Some people send me texts on my phone, some call me, others pass through other people. We want a focal point where all that evidence is directed. And so that they can assemble that evidence”.
President-Elect John Dramani Mahama
According to President-Elect Mahama, the team’s core function is to receive and assemble the evidence submitted by concerned citizens, which will then be handed over to relevant government institutions that are mandated to investigate such matters.
He emphasized that the ORAL team would not be engaging in any investigative activities itself but would simply act as a conduit to ensure that vital information is properly channelled to the appropriate authorities.
“This team is not going to be investigating people. It’s going to gather the evidence and pass it on to the government institutions that are supposed to do that kind of work,” President-Elect Mahama stressed, addressing concerns that the committee might be a covert attempt to target political opponents or harass individuals.
The President-elect further stressed that the team’s members are working pro bono, meaning they are not being compensated for their services.
Additionally, the National Democratic Congress 2024 Presidential Candidate assured the public that no budget or financial resources were being allocated for the operation of the team, underlining the voluntary nature of their work.
In a lighthearted remark intended to dispel any fears of politically motivated actions, President Mahama said, “We have no brooms to fly at night,” humorously quashing the idea that the team was anything more than a tool to assist in combating corruption.
This comment was a direct rebuttal to accusations that the team might be a “witch-hunting committee” with a political agenda.
The formation of the ORAL team is following President-Elect Mahama’s strong campaign promise to fight corruption head-on. President Mahama made it clear that if he assumes office again, his administration will take a firm stance on tackling corruption and holding wrongdoers accountable.
This was done on the sidelines of the Transition Committee’s work to immediately commence investigations into allegations of corruption, state capture and alleged looting of public property, funds and assets by government officials and other key actors.
The team, led by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, is tasked with gathering information from the public and other credible sources on suspected acts of corruption. It is expected to function as a vital instrument for accountability and justice.
Other members of the team include the former Auditor-Gneral, Daniel Yaw Domelovo, renowned investigative journalist, Raymond Archer, COP (Rtd) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, and private legal practitioner, Lawyer Martin Kpebu as members.
The ORAL team, therefore, is seen as a first step in preparing for an effective anti-corruption campaign, following President-Elect Mahama’s historic victory in the 2024 election..
The formation of the ORAL team marks an important moment in Ghana’s ongoing battle against corruption, as Mahama strives to maintain focus on transparency and accountability while navigating the contentious waters of pre-election politics.
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