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ORAL operation: I receive threats daily – Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the chairman of the new government’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), has revealed that he receives daily threats from opponents of the operation.
The lawmaker, who has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, told Blessed Sogah on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, January 13, that “threats have become a daily feature, but we have tough skin and we know the Good Lord will protect us.”
He added, “I have been subjected to a lot of propaganda, fake news, and people just trying to demonise me.” Despite the threats, he said, “We remain unaffected; we are resolute and focused.”
Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to tackling corruption and recovering stolen state assets from the previous government
ORAL is an initiative by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government aimed at identifying, investigating, and recovering state assets believed to have been stolen by members of the former Akufo-Addo administration. Allegations include the theft of lands, revenues, vehicles, and dubious contract deals.
The committee has received numerous suspected cases, which are currently under investigation. The findings will be presented to the Attorney General for possible legal action and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which exited power a week ago, has raised concerns that ORAL has no legal basis to conduct such an operation.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
