Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa officially hands over investigative report to President yesterday. 

According to Okudzeto Ablakwa, 

ORAL can retrieve $20.49 billion with 36 cases.

The President handed over the re port to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice with a directive to immediately begin investigations into the committee’s findings.

He noted that the findings of the ORAL report call for sober reflection on the massive financial leakages that should have been invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social development.

“Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption. To those who stand for integrity, accountability, and the rule of law, I assure you that this government remains your steadfast pattern in building a nation where honesty and hard work are rewarded,” President John Mahama.

Presenting a summary of the findings, the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the value of thirty-six (36) financial cases reviewed is estimated at $20.49 billion.

According to a summary of the report, the cost of land cases alone is estimated at $702.8 million. Mr Ablakwa said the demining revelations vindicate President Mahama from critics of his resolve to pursue economic saboteurs.

The committee received 2,417 complaints in total, including 44 petitions received directly, 924 emails, and 1,493 phone calls.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The North-East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, has reaffirmed his commitment to combating insecurities, including armed robbery by implementing effective measures designed to safeguard lives and property.

He emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, community engagement and preventive strategies to enhance security in the region.

The Minister’s remarks come in response to rising concerns about safety and the need for a robust framework to protect citizens.

He urged the community to collaborate with authorities to ensure a safer environment for all.

Speaking to residents and local security officials, Minister Tia recognised the concerns of commuters who often face attacks on major highways.

He assured them that his administration would collaborate closely with the Upper East Regional Minister and security agencies to formulate an effective response to increasing security threats.

“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We will enhance security operations in high-crime areas, boost police patrols, and set up emergency response teams to address any threats promptly,” he stated

He appealed to the police and other security agencies to beef up security to clamp down on the high rate of indiscipline.

“Indiscipline is gradually rearing its ugly head in our once peaceful and morally respected the region. Its unfortunate our township is drifting away from the way for which it was established by our forefathers. Its time we stamp authority on this anti-social canker,” he stated.

He appealed to residents to be vigilant and assist the police by reporting appropriately any incident they observed by so doing contribute to the prevention of violence.

Mr. Tia used the platform to caution people especially the youth against these illicit acts saying any person or group of persons caught engaging in any criminal activities would be dealt with severely to deter others.

He warned that the days of criminal gangs tormenting residents of the region were over, taking into account the preparedness of the security agencies to deal with the situation swiftly.

The Regional Minister bemoaned the fact that in recent times, a number of lives had been lost through robberies there called on residents to volunteer information to the security agencies in order to apprehend persons who were perpetrating various crimes in the region.

Residents in an interview with the Ghanaian Times were optimistic that these measures would put an end to the frequent attacks and promote safer travel through the region.

By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley