65 Individuals Investigated Under ORAL; Mahama Enforces Strict Asset Declaration Measures – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that 65 individuals have been investigated so far under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, out of over 200 cases. This, he explained, is part of President John Mahama’s commitment to ensuring accountability among former government officials.

Speaking on The Key Points on TV3, Saturday, May 10, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the Mahama administration is determined to uphold integrity in public office, particularly through stricter enforcement of the asset declaration law. “In the past, people flouted this with no consequences. This time, President Mahama is setting a new tone,” he stated, highlighting a shift from leniency to enforcement.

He revealed that the Auditor-General is set to release an update identifying government officials who have not yet declared their assets. According to him, the President will take decisive action once the report is reviewed. “We need to wait for the A-G’s update to determine who hasn’t complied and what action should follow,” he added.

President Mahama has already sanctioned appointees who failed to declare their assets by the March 31, 2025 deadline. While all appointees had initially agreed to donate one month’s salary to the Mahama Cares Trust Fund, those who missed the deadline will now forfeit three additional months’ salaries — totaling four months — to the fund. He warned that failure to comply by May 7 would result in dismissal.

In a speech on May 5 launching a Code of Conduct for Public Servants, the President emphasized accountability and outlined ethical standards for ministers, deputy ministers, CEOs, presidential staffers, and other political appointees. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory disclosure of conflicts of interest.
• Ban on accepting gifts from entities with vested interests in government decisions.
• Declaration of official gifts exceeding GHC20,000, and surrender upon leaving office unless permitted to retain them.
• Prohibition on using government funds for hampers or gift items, except modest staff rewards.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the code is effective immediately and violators face suspension or dismissal.