Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chairperson of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, has reassured the public that the team will operate transparently and fairly as it investigates corruption reported by citizens.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Wednesday, December 18, he emphasized that the ORAL Team’s focus is solely on gathering evidence of corruption and forwarding findings to the appropriate institutions for further action.
Mr. Ablakwa clarified the team’s mandate, stating that it does not have prosecutorial powers. “Our parameters are clear. We are tasked with gathering evidence, analyzing data, and coordinating the receipt of reports from the public. Based on this, we will produce a comprehensive report and hand it over to the relevant institutions for action,” he explained.
He also outlined that the team’s work is confined to the transitional period and that its role is to build a solid foundation for the incoming administration. “This transitional period allows us to compile evidence from unresolved cases—whether from the Auditor General’s office, parliamentary inquiries, or whistleblowers—into a comprehensive framework for further action by the Attorney General once appointed,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa addressed concerns regarding the necessity of the ORAL Team, referring to the “failed ecosystem” under the outgoing administration. He claimed that whistleblowers had been attacked for the past eight years, making many fearful to report corruption due to threats and inaction. He criticized the outgoing President for allegedly acting as a “clearing agent” who absolved appointees without conducting thorough investigations.
He pointed to examples such as the exile of investigative journalist Manasseh Azure and challenges faced by past Special Prosecutors, illustrating a system that failed to protect whistleblowers or effectively pursue corruption.
“People trust the incoming administration and see this as a safe vehicle to share information. They know they will be protected, and their reports won’t be dismissed in a rush to clear wrongdoers,” he stated.
Responding to concerns about potential witch-hunting, Mr. Ablakwa was firm in rejecting such accusations. “This is no witch-hunting exercise. If anyone approaches this with ulterior motives—beyond hard evidence and facts of corruption—they will be exposed,” he declared. He further reassured that individuals who have served with integrity need not fear the team’s scrutiny, while those who have misused state resources should be concerned.
Mr. Ablakwa also questioned the whereabouts of public funds, citing examples such as the $12 million from the Pwalugu Dam project and the $12 million from the Agyapa Royalties saga, demanding answers.
Concluding his statement, he reiterated that the ORAL Team is a response to the public’s demand for accountability and transparency. “This is an opportunity to restore faith in governance and demonstrate that corruption will not be tolerated. We are determined to ensure that every case is based on credible evidence and that justice prevails,” he said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions, and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
