ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chairperson of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, has assured the public that the body will operate transparently and fairly as it investigates acts of suspected corruption reported by citizens.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Wednesday, December 18, he stressed that the ORAL Team is focused solely on gathering evidence of corruption and handing over findings to the appropriate institutions.

Outlining the ORAL Team’s mandate, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that the team does not have the authority to prosecute.

“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 said.

He explained that the team’s work is limited to the transitional period and emphasized the importance of their role in building a robust foundation for the incoming administration.

“This transitional period allows us to put together 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.

Addressing questions about the necessity of the ORAL Team, Mr Ablakwa pointed to what he described as a “failed ecosystem” under the outgoing administration.

“For eight years, whistleblowers have been under attack. Many people were scared to report corruption because of threats and lack of action.

“The outgoing President earned the nickname of a ‘clearing agent,’ infamously absolving appointees without thorough investigations,” he stated.

He cited examples such as investigative journalist Manasseh Azure’s exile and challenges faced by past Special Prosecutors as evidence of a system that failed to protect whistleblowers or pursue corruption effectively.

“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 just be dismissed in a hurry to clear wrongdoers,” he said.

A Rejection of Witch-Hunting

In response to concerns about potential witch-hunting, Mr. Ablakwa was emphatic.

“Not at all, not at all. This is no witch-hunting exercise. If anyone approaches this with ulterior motives—beyond hard evidence and facts of corruption—they will be exposed. Their reports won’t stand the test of scrutiny, and no serious Attorney General will entertain such work,” he assured.

He further clarified that individuals who have served with integrity have nothing to fear.

“Those who have engaged in state capture, plundered resources, or supervised the massive dissipation of public funds should, however, have legitimate concerns,” he cautioned.

Highlighting specific examples of alleged mismanagement, Mr. Ablakwa questioned the whereabouts of public funds.

“Where is the $12 million from the Pwalugu Dam fiasco? Where is our $12 million from the Agyapa Royalties saga? These are legitimate questions that must be answered,” he demanded.

Mr. Ablakwa concluded by stating that the ORAL Team is a product of 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.