The Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has staunchly defended the government’s “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) team, describing it as a crucial mechanism for promoting accountability and recovering state resources. During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr. Ayine addressed concerns regarding the legal basis of the ORAL team, emphasizing that its operations are firmly rooted in Ghana’s Constitution.
The ORAL team, established on December 18, 2024, is chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and has faced scrutiny from some quarters over its structure and legal framework. Critics argue that the team operates outside traditional legal norms, raising questions about its legitimacy. However, Dr. Ayine firmly countered these claims, asserting that the team aligns with the principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, particularly its emphasis on accountability.
Dr. Ayine pointed to the preamble of the Constitution as a guiding framework for ORAL’s mandate. “If you look at the preamble to our Constitution, it is very clear about the fundamental values underpinning it. The value of accountability is one of the principles articulated in the preamble,” he explained. He emphasized that the team’s objective is to ensure accountability by targeting politically exposed persons who have misused public office to accumulate wealth illegally.
According to Dr. Ayine, the ORAL team’s core mission is to recover stolen property, funds, and other intangible resources for the benefit of the state. This initiative, he noted, is essential in addressing corruption and reinforcing public trust in governance. “ORAL is supposed to exact accountability from politically exposed persons who misuse their office to loot public resources by way of property, money, and other intangible resources. And so, ORAL is constitutional,” he asserted.
While acknowledging that the ORAL team is not a conventional legal entity, Dr. Ayine was quick to dismiss the notion that its unconventional structure renders it illegal. “The fact that it is a non-legal body doesn’t mean it is illegal,” he stated. He explained that the team operates within a framework that respects the rule of law and upholds the rights of individuals under investigation. This, he argued, ensures that its activities are both lawful and fair.
The Attorney General-Designate also highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to tackling corruption and recovering state assets. He noted that traditional legal mechanisms have often proven inadequate in addressing complex corruption cases involving politically exposed persons. In this context, the ORAL team represents a proactive and results-oriented approach to addressing these challenges.
Dr. Ayine’s remarks during the vetting process underscored his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. He outlined his vision for an inclusive and effective justice system that prioritizes accountability and transparency. The ORAL team, he maintained, is a reflection of this vision and a testament to the government’s resolve to combat corruption at all levels.
The ORAL team has already begun its work, with initial investigations targeting high-profile cases of alleged corruption. Its establishment is seen as a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns about the misuse of public office and the recovery of stolen state resources. The team’s activities are expected to complement existing anti-corruption efforts, including the work of statutory bodies such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
Despite its potential, the ORAL team has not been without controversy. Some critics have expressed concerns about its perceived lack of transparency and the potential for political bias in its operations. Dr. Ayine, however, assured the Appointments Committee that safeguards are in place to ensure that the team operates impartially and in accordance with the law. He reiterated that the team’s focus is on recovering state resources and holding accountable those who have violated the public trust.
As part of efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the ORAL team, Dr. Ayine proposed measures to strengthen its operational capacity and ensure its alignment with international best practices. These measures include providing the team with adequate resources, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and engaging civil society organizations to promote transparency and accountability.
The Attorney General-Designate also called for public support for the ORAL team’s activities, emphasizing that the fight against corruption requires a collective effort. He urged Ghanaians to view the team as a necessary tool for safeguarding the nation’s resources and ensuring that public officials are held to account.
Dr. Ayine’s defense of the ORAL team has sparked widespread debate, with many applauding his principled stance on accountability and transparency. Supporters argue that the team represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing corruption, while critics continue to question its legal basis and operational methods.
As the ORAL team continues its work, its success will largely depend on its ability to deliver tangible results while maintaining public trust. The team’s mandate to recover stolen state resources and promote accountability aligns with the broader goals of good governance and sustainable development.
In the face of persistent challenges, the establishment of the ORAL team signals a renewed commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring the responsible use of public resources. Dr. Ayine’s robust defense of the team’s constitutionality and his broader vision for a transparent and accountable justice system underscore the government’s determination to uphold the principles of integrity and fairness in governance.
With the ORAL team at the forefront of Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, the nation is poised to make significant strides in promoting accountability, recovering stolen resources, and restoring public confidence in its institutions. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the commitment of leaders like Dr. Ayine provides a strong foundation for progress.
