ORAL Committee ‘Unlawful and Unconstitutional’ – Abena Osei Asare Slams Mahama’s Initiative

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei Asare, has strongly criticized President-elect John Mahama’s “Operation Recover All Loots” (ORAL) committee, calling it both unlawful and unconstitutional.

Abena Osei Asare, who is also the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, questioned the legitimacy of the five-member committee chaired by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

She argued that there are already established state agencies responsible for overseeing corruption-related matters, rendering the new committee unnecessary.

The MP raised concerns about how the NDC government plans to implement the committee’s findings, stressing that their efforts would likely be ineffective given the constitutional issues at play. She cautioned the incoming government against rushing into actions not supported by the law.

Abena Osei Asare made these remarks during a thank-you tour in her constituency in the Eastern Region, where she acknowledged the goodwill she has received, despite the NPP’s loss in the 2024 election. While she accepted the people’s will, she expressed confidence that the party would make a strong comeback.

The ORAL committee, which operates on a non-partisan, pro bono basis with no budgetary allocation, aims to ensure accountability and fairness.

Despite opposition from some NPP members, the initiative has gained support from figures like former Obuasi East MP Edward Ennin, who is willing to provide evidence of looted assets, and former NPP General Secretary Nana Obiri Boahen, who has praised the initiative.