Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, has staunchly defended the government’s newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, describing it as a critical tool for accountability and the recovery of misappropriated state resources.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr Ayine rejected criticisms regarding the team’s mandate and legal basis.
Foundation in constitutional values
The ORAL team, inaugurated on December 18, 2024, is chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and tasked with recovering public funds and assets unlawfully acquired by individuals. Despite facing criticism over its perceived lack of a traditional legal framework, Dr Ayine argued that the team’s establishment is firmly grounded in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
“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 preambles in our Constitution,” he said.
He elaborated that ORAL’s mission aligns with these constitutional principles, emphasising its role in holding individuals accountable for abusing public office to enrich themselves.
“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 stated.
Criticism and response
The ORAL initiative has drawn scepticism from some quarters, with critics questioning its legitimacy and functionality outside established legal frameworks. However, Dr Ayine dismissed these concerns, asserting that the absence of a traditional legal structure does not render the initiative unlawful.
“The fact that it is a non-legal body doesn’t mean it is illegal,” he affirmed.
Promoting accountability and good governance
Dr Ayine reiterated that the ORAL team’s objectives are consistent with the Constitution’s emphasis on accountability, good governance, and safeguarding public resources. He underscored the importance of such mechanisms in fostering transparency and discouraging the misuse of public office.
The ORAL team’s work is expected to be closely scrutinised as it moves forward with its mandate, but Dr Ayine’s defence suggests that the initiative has strong backing from the government.
Source: graphic.com.gh