Ghana can retrieve US$20.49 billion from 36 cases — ORAL committee

The Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) Committee set up by President John Dramani Mahama, has disclosed that Ghana has revealed that Ghana can retrieve $20.49 billion from 36 cases recorded.

On Monday, February 10, the Chairman of the ORAL Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, presenting the committee's report at the Jubilee House, highlighted the team's substantial achievements.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister and North Tongu lawmaker, the committee extensively investigated several cases, of which 36 can fetch the country huge monies if properly investigated and followed through.

“Moving forward, we want to conclude with some fascinating figures, the 36 cases that we have reviewed in detail if we are successful in recoveries,” he stated.

The cases, according to the Committee, include the National Cathedral project, the Power Distribution Services (PDS) arrangement, and several governmental asset takeovers.

Mr. Ablakwa stated that fair market valuations on illegally acquired state lands might produce an additional $702.8 million for the government if recovered.

According to him, some politically exposed persons bought state lands in prime areas like Cantonment at a ridiculously cheap price of GHS42,000. He indicated that the market value for a plot of land in those prime areas cost 500,000 dollars or more, and not a paltry GHS42,000 as discovered.

Mr. Ablakwa praised the public's engagement with the committee, saying that 2,417 complaints were received via the toll-free line and email platform which are available for verification.