ORAL has not succeeded because key suspect Ofori-Atta is still not here — Solomon Owusu

Communications Director of the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu

The Communications Director of the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu, says the National Democratic Congress’ Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative has not achieved its intended purpose.

ORAL was a key campaign promise of the NDC ahead of the 2024 general elections.

The initiative was designed to recover looted state funds and hold corrupt public officials, particularly from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, accountable.

Speaking on Economic and Policy Review on Accra-based Prime Morning Show on Monday, December 22, Mr. Owusu said the programme has fallen short due to the continued absence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is facing 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in absentia.

The OSP has since declared him a wanted fugitive and, through the Attorney General, submitted an extradition request to United States authorities for his return.

“ORAL hasn’t achieved its purpose because the man at the centre of it all, Ken Ofori-Atta, is still out of the country,” he said.

According to him, the government’s anti-corruption efforts may not be favourably rated if alleged corruption under the previous administration is not tackled decisively.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated the government cannot afford to fail in delivering on the initiative.

He stressed that the success of ORAL is critical not only to the credibility of the John Dramani Mahama-led administration but also to the survival of Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day programme on Thursday, December 18, Ablakwa, who chaired the ORAL preparatory committee, said government remains resolute despite criticism from the opposition.