Bolgatanga: Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, has announced that the government's Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative is making significant progress, with Ghanaians expected to see the results of ongoing investigations and prosecutions soon.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Ayine revealed that investigations into 34 cases, stemming from the preliminary work of the ORAL Committee, have been completed. Preliminary findings have been made, and several cases are being prepared for court filing. He highlighted that ORAL's efforts are commendable and that prosecutions' results will become evident to the public shortly.
During a citizen engagement in Bolgatanga, part of President John Dramani Mahama's Resetting Ghana Agenda tour in the Upper East Region, Dr Ayine emphasized the meticulous nature of the investigations. He assured that the anti-corruption drive aims to avoid political persecution. These investigations extend beyond state agencies like the Bureau of National Intelligence and the Economic and Organised Crime Office, incorporating forensic audits when necessary.
Dr Ayine also addressed claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding delays in ORAL-related cases and alleged losses in court. He noted that within the first year, the government filed five corruption-related cases, marking a record under the Fourth Republic. He cited historical corruption cases to illustrate the time taken for such prosecutions under previous administrations.
Highlighting ongoing cases, Dr Ayine mentioned the prosecution of Mr Kwabena Adu-Buahene, former National Signals Bureau boss, involving GHS16.5 million moved from a public to a private account. He clarified that ORAL's scope extends beyond the 34 dockets from the committee's report, with investigations into other matters, including the case of Mr Denis Miracles Aboagye, former head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Local Government.
Dr Ayine urged Ghanaians to evaluate ORAL based on its outcomes rather than the negative narratives surrounding the prosecutions. He reassured that President Mahama has mandated a professional conduct of the anti-corruption drive, free from political opponent persecution.
In conclusion, Dr Ayine stressed that President Mahama would not sanction any misuse of ORAL as a tool for political persecution, reiterating the administration's commitment to justice and accountability in its anti-corruption efforts.