ORAL Committee a Political Tool, Not Needed – Afenyo-Markin Slams Mahama’s Initiative
Majority Leader warns the anti-corruption task force could disrupt governance and fuel political witch-hunts
- Afenyo-Markin says ORAL undermines existing anti-corruption institutions
- He fears the initiative could be used for harassment and destabilize governance
- Chairman Okudzeto Ablakwa promises the team will complement, not duplicate, existing anti-corruption agencies
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized the newly formed Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, introduced by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, calling it unnecessary and a potential instrument for political vendetta.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the committee undermines existing state institutions tasked with fighting corruption. During his campaign, Mahama promised to establish ORAL to recover state resources allegedly looted under the Akufo-Addo administration. Following his electoral victory, Mahama announced a five-member team, including notable figures like former Auditor-General Daniel Domelovo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
Speaking during his final remarks as Majority Leader of the 8th Parliament, Afenyo-Markin dismissed the initiative as a “wild goose chase,” warning it could destabilize governance and create an atmosphere of fear and harassment.
“We don’t need any so-called ORAL,” he stated. “It has no constitutional backing and serves only as a tool for personal vendetta. We must support state institutions to function effectively instead of forming redundant committees.”
In response, ORAL Chairman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reassured the public that the committee will not duplicate the work of existing anti-corruption agencies.
