ORAL Initiative is Unnecessary and Unconstitutional – Richard Ahiagbah

Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns over the legality of the government’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), claiming that the initiative lacks constitutional validity.

Ahiagbah also questioned the rationale behind the creation of the five-member committee, which is chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu.

In a statement regarding the formation of the anti-corruption committee, Ahiagbah asserted that ORAL would not contribute to strengthening the country’s fight against corruption.

He suggested that if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to grant the ORAL Committee more authority to meet its objectives, they should seek to do so through the proper legal channels.

“The NDC should follow the right and lawful process if they want to give the ORAL Committee the powers it needs to fulfill their campaign promises,” Ahiagbah wrote on X.

He further reminded the NDC that their ascent to power was through a democratic process and not by force, emphasizing that they must adhere to the law as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. “The NDC must operate within the boundaries of the law rather than become lawless,” Ahiagbah added.

Ahiagbah also criticized the committee as redundant, pointing out that multiple state institutions are already tasked with overseeing corruption-related issues.

Legal experts, particularly from the NPP, have voiced concerns about the constitutionality of the ORAL initiative, arguing that the committee lacks a legal foundation and is operating unlawfully.

Despite the ongoing debate over its legitimacy, the ORAL team, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has already begun its operations. Ahiagbah concluded by stressing the importance of ensuring that the nation’s laws are respected and allowed to function properly.