Private legal practitioner, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, has raised concerns that the government’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) could be undermined following revelations by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey.
Mr. Kwetey disclosed at the 5th Annual General Conference of NDC Lawyers that some party-affiliated lawyers were attempting to “cut deals” for individuals facing prosecution.
In a Facebook post reacting to the development, Prof. Asare wrote:
“Fiifi Kwetey blows whistle on party men trying to cut deals with looters. ORAL at risk.”
The NDC chief scribe did not disclose names but cautioned that such conduct jeopardises the integrity of the party and the government’s anti-corruption drive.
“Despite the fact that pleas and pressure are coming from the public that punishment has to be meted and this must be done properly, some among us are busy trying to cut deals with people who are supposed to be prosecuted. Think again… this victory was achieved largely because Ghanaians wanted the right thing done, not for deals to be cut,” he warned.
His comments come just days after Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Srem Sai assured the public that cases under ORAL were progressing, despite concerns about delays.
Dr. Sai explained that the legal vacation had slowed proceedings but insisted the prosecutions were on track.
“To the extent that for Adu Boahene, we have covered one-third of the case, if not for the legal vacation we would probably have concluded our case… but we will come back in October and continue,” he told TV3.
He emphasised that due process must be respected, stressing that “being prosecuted does not automatically mean being guilty.”
