ORAL Team Report: Anti-Corruption Initiative Yields $21.19 Billion Potential Recovery

In a landmark development in Ghana’s fight against corruption, the Oral Preparatory Team, led by now Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and former Auditor General Daniel Yao Domelevo, has presented its findings to President John Dramani Mahama at the Flagstaff House. The team’s comprehensive review of corruption complaints and state asset mismanagement has led to potential recoveries amounting to $21.19 billion.

Key Findings and Achievements

Over a 53-day period, the Oral Preparatory Team received 2,417 complaints and 1,493 calls regarding corruption and asset mismanagement. After thorough analysis, 230 cases were reviewed in detail, including 44 petitions from civil society and 59 from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposition period.

The team’s actions successfully prevented the demolition and takeover of 50 government-owned bungalows, halted illicit sales of state assets, and safeguarded lands belonging to the Northern Development Authority and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. These interventions have preserved critical national assets and underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

International Collaboration and Forensic Investigations

The initiative has drawn international attention, with forensic experts offering to assist in tracing and recovering offshore looted assets. The team has advised President Mahama and the Attorney General on the nature of these collaboration requests, evaluating potential partnerships that could enhance Ghana’s asset recovery efforts.

Financial Impact and Future Actions

The financial impact of the initiative is staggering. The team estimates that successful recoveries from 36 key cases—including the National Cathedral, PDS, MSML, and GMPC—could bring in $20.49 billion. Additionally, enforcing fair market value payments for state lands sold at undervalued rates could yield approximately $702.8 million, bringing the total potential recovery to $21.19 billion—an amount significantly higher than Ghana’s latest request from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The team has also identified individuals willing to return misappropriated assets voluntarily. Discussions are ongoing on how to handle these offers in a manner that ensures accountability while prioritizing national interest.

Next Steps and Policy Recommendations

As part of their recommendations, the Oral Preparatory Team has urged the government to:

• Present a summary of the 230 cases to the President for immediate action.
• Expedite collaboration with international forensic experts to recover offshore funds.
• Develop a policy framework for individuals who voluntarily seek to return stolen state assets.
• Review the sale of agricultural mechanization lands in Cantonments, 80% of which were sold at below-market rates.
• Address ongoing disputes at the Du Bois Center and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board staff quarters.

A New Era of Accountability

The formation of the Oral Preparatory Team was a direct response to public outcry over corruption and asset mismanagement. Announced by then President-elect John Mahama on December 18, 2024, the membership of the team also include key figures such as Lawyer Martin Kpebu, Investigative Journalist Raymond Archer and Retired Police Officer ACP Nathan Kofi Boakye. The initiative’s transparency and efficiency have been bolstered by a dedicated communication infrastructure, including a toll-free line, a website, and an email portal.

This initiative marks a critical step in restoring public trust in governance and combating corruption at the highest levels. With billions at stake and national assets at risk, the Mahama administration’s decisive actions could set a precedent for future administrations in Ghana’s fight against corruption.

Source: GhanaNewsOnline