The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has uncovered shocking cases of mismanagement and attempted illegal takeovers of state assets. The team’s report, presented to President John Dramani Mahama, highlights unlawful land sales, fraudulent vehicle re-registrations, and the prevention of numerous government property seizures.
Speaking at the presentation, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that ORAL’s work was both relevant and timely, describing the President’s decision to establish the team as a “masterstroke.” According to him, the initiative has played a crucial role in safeguarding national assets and ensuring accountability. Below are the 10 key benefits of ORAL as outlined by its chairman:
1. Deepened Transparency and Accountability
ORAL has increased public awareness about the need to protect state assets and has set a precedent for future governments. “Government officials are now more conscious,” Ablakwa noted, stressing that the initiative serves as a guiding framework for the incoming administration.
2. Prevention of Illegal Demolition of 50 Government Bungalows
The team prevented the demolition of 50 government-owned bungalows, which were nearly seized by private developers. These properties, belonging to institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, were at risk until National Security intervened following ORAL’s prompt action. “But for the present establishment of Oral, we take the view that all of these 50 bungalows will have been demolished,” Ablakwa explained.
3. Collaboration with National Security to save Northern Development Authority lands at Cantonments:
On the eve of the President’s inauguration, a private developer attempted to seize Northern Development Authority (NDA) land at Cantonments, erecting walls overnight. ORAL’s intervention led to National Security stepping in to reclaim the land for the state.
4. Prevention of Illegal Takeover of Government Vehicles
ORAL exposed a scheme where state vehicles were being re-registered with new license plates to disguise them as privately owned. Acting on these findings, National Security intervened, preventing the loss of hundreds of vehicles. “we have videos and pictures of vehicles whose number plates were being changed so that they will virtually steal them for private use. Again, acting on those tip-offs, National Security moved in quickly and we were able to save a good number, hundreds of these vehicles,” Ablakwa revealed.
5. Prevention of the Dubois Museum Center Takeover
A private foundation attempted to claim ownership of the Dubois Museum Center, leading to a dispute. ORAL facilitated mediation, ensuring that the historic landmark remains under government oversight. “what we have done now is to ask that the factions should meet and the new Minister for Tourism should resolve the matters. Again, if ORAL had not been established, only God knows what would have happened at the Du Bois Center,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa stated.
6. Protection of Agri-Mechanization Lands at Cantonments
Large portions of government land designated for agricultural mechanization were being encroached upon. ORAL’s efforts saved 80% of the land, although 20% had already been developed. “their cold room was on the verge of being demolished. And so we called National Security. They moved in and we have been able to save large portions….I would say, about 20% of the land has seen some development,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa added.
7. Prevention of Demolition of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board Bungalows
State-owned bungalows under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board were sold. However, ORAL’s intervention halted their demolition, safeguarding historical state assets.
8. Established a Peaceful and Non-Confrontational Complaint System
According to Ablakwa, Ghana’s political transitions often fuel acrimony and tension, sometimes escalating into violence. ORAL provided a structured, legal channel for citizens to report state asset looting, preventing individuals from taking the law into their own hands.
9. Encouraged Voluntary Returns of Looted State Property
Several individuals who illegally acquired state assets have approached ORAL, offering to return what belongs to the Ghanaian people. The President and his legal advisors will review the next steps. “Quite a number of persons of interest have reached out…… the President and his legal advisors will take a decision on the way forward,” Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa disclosed.
10. Attracted Local and International Support for Forensic Investigations
ORAL has garnered significant interest from local and international bodies, with forensic experts offering assistance in tracking offshore assets looted from Ghana. “We have received a number of international requests to support this initiative of the President in terms of forensics and to help in offshore retrievals,” Ablakwa confirmed.
Potential Recovery of $20.49 Billion in Stolen Assets
With 36 cases currently under review, ORAL estimates that if recoveries are successful, Ghana could retrieve as much as $20.49 billion. Some major cases under scrutiny include:
- National Cathedral Project
- PDS Scandal
- SML Contract Irregularities
- GMPC Salt Pond Decommissioning
Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa reiterated that ORAL’s work is far from over and that the fight against corruption and asset mismanagement must continue beyond their current mandate.
Read also:ORAL: Team Present Report to President John Dramani Mahama
 Team, chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has uncovered shocking cases of mismanagement....){kind=link}