ORAL is about Accountability,Mahama Must Ignore Naysayers

Ghana faces a critical juncture, as former President John Dramani Mahama prepares to take on the mantle of leadership once again. After years of crippling economic mismanagement, nepotism, and corruption under the Akufo-Addo administration, Mahama has been presented with a rare opportunity to save Ghana from the brink of economic collapse. To achieve this, retrieving the loots stolen by the previous administration is not just an option but a necessity.Operation Retrieve All Loot (ORAL) must be supported because it is anchored in the core principles of good governance.

It will reflect Accountability, Rule of Law,Transparency and Integrity in Governance.This is a mandate to save Ghana from doom.

The Akufo-Addo administration has left Ghana in economic tatters, with rising debt, a weakened currency, and systemic corruption eroding the nation’s foundations. Mahama now stands at the threshold of history, charged with the duty to reset Ghana’s trajectory.

This is a chance for him to rise above mediocrity, embrace bold action, and avoid the mistakes of leaders like Nelson Mandela, who, despite his legendary status, failed to fully return South Africa’s wealth and resources to its indigenous people. As a result, the economic imbalance persists, with Europeans dominating the social and economic hierarchy while native South Africans remain marginalized. He has the opportunity to bridge the widened gap between the rich and poor which has been aggravated by Akufo-Addo's administration.

Mahama must avoid bowing to pressure from politically exposed persons, clergymen and external influences that advocate leniency. He must act decisively to ensure that Ghana’s wealth is restored to the Ghanaian people.

Jerry John Rawlings instituted revolutionary accountability measures, recovering state resources and setting a precedent for zero tolerance for corruption.

While his methods were controversial, they re-established discipline in governance.

John Magufuli (Tanzania) fired corrupt officials and recovered stolen funds, channeling them into public services like education and healthcare.His reforms led to significant improvements in infrastructure and public trust.

Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the recovery process of the loot by General Sani Abacha.With international cooperation he secured the return of $700 million in stolen funds from Swiss banks from 1999-2007. Goodluck Jonathan recovered $227 million in funds stashed in Liechtenstein from 2010–2015. Muhammadu Buhari between 2015–2023 recovered billions in stolen assets through anti-corruption initiatives, including international cooperation.

Paul Kagame (Rwanda) instituted strict anti-corruption laws and made high-profile arrests to recover stolen resources.These efforts transformed Rwanda into one of the least corrupt nations in Africa.

Theodore Roosevelt (USA) combated corporate corruption through antitrust laws and prosecuted economic criminals, setting the U.S. on a path of ethical governance.

Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso confiscated looted assets and redirected them to public projects, fostering self-reliance and economic justice.His short tenure left a legacy of accountability and patriotism.

Mahama can achieve in his tenure and set Ghana back on the path of glory.

He will lose the love of the Ghanaian people if he decides to shield any looter.He has the backing of the people and should not allow himself to be misled by the clergy and people in bed with corrupt politicians.

This is Mahama’s moment to rewrite Ghana’s history and reset the nation’s moral compass. By pursuing looters fairly but resolutely.By this, he can restore hope and lay the foundation for a prosperous future. Ghana’s redemption depends on his courage and integrity. He is the man for the job that's why he won with a landslide.

Long Live Mother Ghana
By Dumenu Charles Selorm