I’ve directed AG to start investigation of ORAL’s findings without delay — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to immediately commence investigations into the findings of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) Committee.

In a social media post on Tuesday, February 11, a day after receiving the report, the President expressed his expectation that the state’s chief legal officer would act swiftly.

“I have instructed the Attorney General to commence investigations into the findings of the ORAL committee without delay. The committee officially presented its report on Monday, and I expect the Attorney General to get to work,” the President wrote.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has sent a strong warning to individuals who believe they can loot state resources and go unpunished.

“For those who think they can defraud the state and escape justice, let this serve as a strong warning: Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption,” he emphasized after receiving the committee’s report on Monday, February 10, adding that the findings would be treated with utmost priority.

The ORAL Committee, tasked with gathering information for the President’s anti-corruption drive, presented some eye-opening revelations.

Chairman of the committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that the state could recover $702.8 million if buyers of state properties are made to pay fair market prices.

According to him, some acquired lands purchased for as little as GH¢42,000, GH¢120,000, and GH¢160,000 are actually worth between $500,000 and $600,000.

The committee also revealed that Ghana could recoup $20.49 billion from 36 cases currently under investigation.

“Moving forward, we want to conclude with some fascinating figures. The 36 cases we have reviewed in detail could yield as much as $20.49 billion if recoveries are successful,” Mr. Ablakwa noted.