In a decisive move to fulfil his campaign promise of tackling corruption, President-Elect John Dramani Mahama has established a preparatory team to spearhead efforts aimed at recovering stolen public funds and holding perpetrators accountable.
This announcement comes as part of his transition agenda, emphasizing his commitment to governance anchored in accountability and integrity.
The team, officially unveiled in a press statement issued by the Mahama Transition Team, signed by it Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is tasked with gathering information from the public and other credible sources on suspected acts of corruption.
“As a preparatory measure towards the rollout of H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s promise to recover proceeds of corruption and hold persons responsible for such corruption accountable when he assumes office, a Team has been set up to receive and gather information from members of the public and other sources, on suspected acts of corruption.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson, Mahama Transition Team.
Dubbed “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL), this initiative is set to be a cornerstone of President-Elect Mahama’s anti-corruption drive when he assumes office effectively, January 7th 2025.
Members of the Anti-Corruption Team
The team comprises a blend of seasoned professionals and advocates renowned for their anti-corruption credentials. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, will serve as the chairman.
Hon. Ablakwa, a vocal anti-corruption advocate, brings parliamentary oversight experience and years of uncovering acts of misconduct, corruption and mismanagement of public officials to the team.
Mr. Daniel Domelovo, former Auditor-General, is known for his fearless audits and efforts to combat corruption during his tenure. His bold decision to surcharge the then Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Marfo for what he termed as the latter’s wrongful payment of state funds to Kroll and Associate for alleged no work done earned him public applause.
Additionally, COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, a retired senior police officer, is expected to provide expertise in criminal investigations while Lawyer Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner is expected to add his years of legal advocacies against corruption to the team’s work.
The last member of the team is Mr. Raymond Archer, an investigative journalist, who has a track record of exposing high-profile corruption scandals through incisive journalism.
The Spokesperson of the President-Elect’s Transition Team, Felix Kwakye Ofos, noted that anti-corruption was a central theme of Mr. Mahama’s 2024 campaign, with ORAL serving as a flagship policy.
The initiative, he emphasized promises to target corruption at all levels of governance, recover stolen state assets, and ensure justice for the misuse of public funds.
He reaffirmed the President-Elect’s resolve to “hit the ground running” in the fight against corruption, stressing that the preparatory team’s establishment signals a clear message to Ghanaians that Mr Mahama is committed to honouring his electoral pledges.
In reacting to the statement, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who was nominated to chair the anti-corruption team, affirmed his commitment to the task assigned to the team by the President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama.
He accepted the challenge given to the team by President-Elect Mahama and pledged the team’s readiness to work with a profound sense of duty, integrity and patriotism to achieve its overall goals.
“We are grateful to President-elect H.E. John Mahama for the confidence reposed in us. For God and Country. Ghana First”, Hon Ablakwa remarked, expressing his gratitude and dedication to duty.
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