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No violence, just trust the ORAL process – Ablakwa assures NDC supporters

The Chairman of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) has called on National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters to refrain from violence urging them instead to support his team by providing credible information.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, stated that ORAL’s mission to recover stolen national assets will be conducted through lawful and democratic means.
“Our leader, John Mahama, has made it clear: there is no need to resort to violence. Violence has no place in our democracy,” the North Tongu MP Ablakwa said.
He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and order while the team works to identify and recover looted resources.
ORAL, an initiative under the new NDC administration, aims to address concerns about corruption and asset mismanagement.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted the comprehensive approach being taken by his team, including setting up toll-free numbers and online platforms for the public to report instances of wrongdoing.
“Just believe in the work we are doing. Call in. Use our toll-free numbers. Visit our websites. Let us know the wrongdoing and the looting that is going on. We’ll document it,” Ablakwa stated.
He assured supporters that the information received would be meticulously investigated.
“We are doing very, very credible work. We will go to the field, we’ll validate the reports, and we’ll present a comprehensive document to the powers that be. They will act on it,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa cautioned against taking the law into one’s hands, noting that such actions could undermine the democratic process.
“There’s no need at all to take the law into your own hands. Please, no violence. Let us resort to peaceful, democratic means, and we will get the solutions that produce better results than lawlessness,” he reiterated.
ORAL’s mandate has sparked enthusiasm among NDC supporters, many of whom see it as a critical step in ensuring accountability in governance.
However, Ablakwa’s appeal for calm and cooperation is seen as a necessary reminder to prevent any potential backlash or disorder.
As the initiative gains traction, Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence in the process and its ability to address corruption effectively.
“Trust the system we have put in place. Together, we can recover what rightfully belongs to the people without resorting to violence,” he concluded.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency

The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.