Ablakwa Announces Anonymous Whistleblowing System for Reporting Corruption via Toll-Free Hotlines

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, has announced the introduction of toll-free hotlines, emails, and online platforms that will allow whistleblowers to report corruption anonymously. The primary goal of this initiative is to create a transparent and centralized system where evidence of corruption can be gathered securely, enabling citizens to report corrupt activities without fear of retaliation or exposure.

In a radio interview with Joy FM on December 18, 2024, Mr. Ablakwa shared that the ORAL team is in the final stages of launching multiple reporting channels for the public. He confirmed that toll-free hotlines would be made available soon, alongside online platforms such as emails and websites where individuals could anonymously submit their information. “By tomorrow morning, we will publish toll-free hotlines and set up online platforms, including emails and websites, for people to submit information anonymously,” he stated.

The ORAL team, which was established under President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s administration, is part of a broader strategy to fight corruption and ensure accountability. During a meeting with diplomats, Mahama clarified the role of the team, emphasizing that it would serve as a centralized point for collecting evidence related to corruption. He explained that the public had been providing him with numerous reports about corruption—through text messages, phone calls, and intermediaries—and expressed the need for a dedicated platform where all this information could be compiled and handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

“The team will serve as a focal point for gathering evidence. We are receiving a lot of reports on corruption scandals, some of which are sent directly to me, and others come through intermediaries. We want to create a central place where this evidence can be gathered and directed to the right government agencies for action,” Mahama explained.

While the ORAL team is tasked with collecting and organizing evidence, Mahama stressed that its function is not to conduct investigations or act as a body to target individuals. “We are not creating a witch-hunt. The ORAL team is not going to investigate or target people. They don’t have brooms to fly at night,” he quipped, emphasizing that the team is intended to facilitate the proper flow of information to the relevant authorities. He also made it clear that the members of the ORAL team are serving without financial compensation and that there would be no costs incurred by taxpayers in the process.

Mr. Ablakwa echoed these sentiments, noting that the ORAL team’s efforts are purely voluntary. He emphasized that the work of the team would be driven by a sense of duty to the nation and was not motivated by personal gain. “This is a sacrificial effort for God and for the country,” Ablakwa remarked, underlining that members of the ORAL team are working pro bono. The team has committed to conducting its work without expecting any financial reward, and the resources for the project would be carefully managed.

The introduction of these anonymous reporting mechanisms aims to encourage more citizens to come forward and report corruption without fearing retribution. By offering toll-free hotlines and digital platforms, the ORAL team hopes to make it easier for people to share vital information, creating a more transparent and accountable system of governance.

The ORAL initiative is an essential component of Mahama’s broader plan to combat corruption and restore public trust in state institutions. By collecting evidence and passing it on to the relevant institutions, the ORAL team aims to ensure that those involved in corrupt activities are held accountable. This effort is in line with Mahama’s commitment to improving governance and promoting integrity within public office, ensuring that officials are held responsible for any misconduct.