Domelevo to Mahama: I’ll be disappointed if ORAL findings are ignored

Former Auditor-General and a key member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has issued a strong call for action, stating that he will be deeply disappointed if President John Dramani Mahama and the Attorney General fail to act on the findings of the ORAL committee.

Speaking after the committee presented its report to the President at the Jubilee House on Monday (10 February) Domelevo stressed the need for thorough investigations and accountability, rather than allowing the findings to be shelved.

“I am very optimistic; otherwise, I will be extremely disappointed in him [the President] and the Attorney General. If after we have sacrificed to do all this and they don’t subject these issues to proper investigation, to be honest with you, I will be very disappointed,” Domelevo stated.

He further stressed that Ghana’s fight against corruption should not focus solely on recovering stolen assets but should also prevent future financial misconduct. He welcomed President Mahama’s introduction of Operation Prevent All Loot (OPAL), an initiative aimed at stopping corruption before it happens.

“The President made a point which made me extremely happy. He didn’t talk about ORAL; he talked about OPAL (Operation Prevent All Loot), and that is the most important thing. The leakages have happened already; let’s try and find out how we can mop it up, but we can also prevent additional leakages. We hope to see action,” Domelevo remarked.

He also advocated for stronger financial recovery measures, suggesting that imposing surcharges on culprits would be more effective than simply sending them to prison.

“Personally, I think we should move into recovering monies with some additional surcharges rather than just putting people in custody so they can come back after five or ten years to enjoy their booty. Custodial sentences don’t help anything,” he argued.

The ORAL report, submitted to President Mahama, outlines over 2,417 suspected cases of corruption and financial malfeasance, with an estimated $21.19 billion in recoverable assets.

The President has since directed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to commence investigations and take appropriate legal action against those found culpable.

Source: asaaseradio