Review unconstitutional, illegal ORAL committee – Afenyo-Markin tells Ayine

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticized the establishment of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, labelling it “illegal and unconstitutional.”

He urged Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, to reassess the committee’s operations and ensure that existing state institutions are allowed to perform their mandated roles without interference.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during the debate to approve the first batch of vetted ministers on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Afenyo-Markin argued that the formation of the ORAL committee poses a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.

He contended that bypassing established institutions could erode public confidence in governance.

In his remarks, the Minority Leader also appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to avoid repeating the missteps of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic and constitutional norms.

“Mr Speaker, that so-called ORAL committee claiming to be going after loot, must be cautioned that that committee is unconstitutional and illegal. And I pray that my respected colleague, Dr Dominic Ayine, after taking office will review the activities of this illegal, unconstitutional body.

“Bring things to order and allow the state institutions clothed with the mandate to investigate, follow due process and prosecute if necessary.

“The way this ORAL is going, it will not help the course of our democracy. Today, you are in government, tomorrow you will be in opposition, do unto others as in all situations you wish them to do unto you. If the NPP side in government made some mistakes in government, you don’t have to continue that path. Pursue justice for all.”