Accra: Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, has publicly criticized the Mahama administration's economic management and anti-corruption measures, particularly targeting the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, which he labeled as 'useless'.
According to Ghana Web, during an appearance on Good Afternoon Ghana with host Bright Amaning on Metro TV, Tonto dismissed claims that the previous New Patriotic Party administration had left behind a 'junk economy'. He highlighted the accomplishments of the former government in supporting public sector workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by ensuring full payment of salaries and providing additional benefits to frontline workers.
Tonto contrasted these efforts with the current conditions under President John Dramani Mahama's administration, pointing out failures to fulfill salary obligations to teachers and nurses, alongside significant increases in utility costs and taxes. He criticized the imposition of additional charges on non-life insurance and questioned the efficacy of the so-called 'good economy'.
The ORAL initiative, aimed at recovering embezzled funds, was particularly scrutinized by Tonto. He accused the government of using unreliable calculations for corruption figures, referencing comments by Attorney General Dominic Ayine about the lack of proper investigation before publicizing figures. Tonto also criticized the plan to retrieve $240 million from the Bank of Ghana, calling it illogical.
In addition to economic issues, Tonto touched on the government's promises to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey. He criticized the optimistic statements by officials, including Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, and pointed out the enormous costs and practical challenges involved in treating polluted rivers, suggesting that the government's approach lacked seriousness.