ORAL: ‘There’s nothing wrong with witch-hunting if the hunted are witches’ — Manasseh Azure

Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has defended the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative amid widespread criticism.

ORAL, an initiative designed to recover stolen state assets and funds from public officials in accordance with the law, was one of the widely accepted campaign promises of President John Dramani Mahama.

Following his victory, the President established a preparation committee chaired by North Tongu MP and Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

However, the initiative has faced fierce opposition, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have described it as unconstitutional and a tool for political witch-hunting.

In reaction, Manasseh Azure Awuni, in an open letter to President Mahama on Thursday, January 23, urged him to ensure that ORAL achieves its intended purpose.

He argued that there is nothing wrong with targeting political opponents if they are genuinely guilty.

“Disregard the noise that Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) is on a witch-hunting expedition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with witch-hunting if, indeed, the hunted are witches.

“Streamline the legal creases concerning ORAL and empower your Minister of Justice and Attorney General to prosecute the looters. The state anti-corruption institutions are yet to give a good reason why ORAL is unnecessary. I support ORAL,” a portion of his letter reads.

Manasseh, however, cautioned the President, “If you show signs of weakness, ORAL could become a major scandal in your administration and disarm you from embarking on serious accountability. ORAL should apply to members of your own administration.”