President-elect Mahama: "Operation Recover All Loot" is Not a Witch-Hunt

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has clarified that his administration’s “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative is not intended to be a witch-hunt but rather a well-structured effort to combat corruption in Ghana. Speaking during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Miriam Montrat, Mahama explained that the purpose of ORAL is to gather evidence from various sources to support the prosecution of corrupt officials, enhance transparency, and restore public trust in governance. The initiative, he emphasized, is aligned with his broader commitment to ensuring good governance and accountability.

Mahama reassured the public that the ORAL program would not involve direct investigations by the preparatory committee, but would serve as a platform for gathering and consolidating evidence. He clarified that the evidence collected by the committee would be handed over to the relevant state institutions with the legal mandate to conduct investigations and prosecutions. The committee itself, Mahama stressed, would not replace any existing state bodies, such as the police or the Attorney General’s Department, that are responsible for law enforcement. Additionally, he pointed out that the committee would be working pro bono and would not incur any cost to taxpayers.

The President-elect further explained that ORAL was launched in response to the widespread concerns and corruption scandals that many citizens had brought to his attention. Mahama stated that individuals were sending him evidence of wrongdoing through phone messages and calls, which he believed warranted the creation of a central point to collect this information. He noted that while the committee would not be conducting investigations, it would ensure that any gathered evidence could be acted upon by the proper authorities.

In addition to his anti-corruption initiatives, Mahama outlined several key priorities for his administration. He highlighted the importance of technology and investment in the agricultural sector, particularly in agro-processing. He noted that it is insufficient to simply produce agricultural goods; there must also be a focus on adding value to these products to benefit farmers. Mahama proposed collaboration with the private sector to improve the management of the National Buffer Stock, a government initiative that helps stabilize food prices and ensures food security. He suggested that the private sector could play a key role in helping to mop up excess produce and improving the efficiency of the Buffer Stock system.

On the topic of the mining sector, Mahama emphasized the need for the use of modern technology to address environmental issues, particularly the reclamation of lands that have been degraded by mining activities. He argued that adopting new technologies in mining could help mitigate the negative environmental impacts of the industry, while also promoting sustainable development.

Turning to the energy sector, Mahama was critical of the outgoing administration’s management, citing the large debt accumulated by the sector. He revealed that the energy sector’s debt stood at approximately $2.5 billion, which he described as a major mismanagement. Mahama stated that the government had kept power flowing at the expense of accruing substantial debt. He also mentioned the poor financial performance of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which was currently suffering from about 32 percent in commercial and technical losses. He underscored the urgent need for reforms in the energy sector, saying that it required “surgery” to fix its systemic issues and ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for the country.

Mahama also responded to the government’s claims of a thriving economy, arguing that the energy sector debt alone posed a serious threat to the country’s economic stability. He expressed his intention to open the financial books when he assumes office to allow the public to see the true state of the economy. By doing so, Mahama hopes to create transparency and help Ghanaians understand the necessary steps that will need to be taken to stabilize the country’s finances.

In his conversation with the Canadian High Commissioner, Mahama expressed his gratitude for Canada’s ongoing investments in Ghana, particularly in the northern regions and in the health sector. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Ghana’s relationship with Canada, particularly in areas like food security, women’s empowerment, and agriculture. The Canadian High Commissioner, Miriam Montrat, proposed that a direct flight from Canada to Ghana could further boost tourism and trade relations between the two countries. She also highlighted the importance of ensuring a secure investment environment and called on the incoming administration to address the non-payment issues affecting international businesses.

Mahama concluded by reiterating his commitment to collaboration with the Canadian government, particularly in areas such as economic development, gender equality, and improving the investment climate in Ghana. He stressed that with the cooperation of international partners, his administration would work toward creating a prosperous and equitable future for all Ghanaians.