Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has confidently backed the government’s “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) team, calling it a crucial way to ensure accountability and reclaim stolen state resources.

During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, Dr. Ayine addressed worries about the legal standing of the ORAL team, which was set up on December 18, 2024, and is led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

He pointed out that while ORAL isn’t a typical legal body, its work fits in with the values and principles of Ghana’s Constitution. He specifically mentioned the preamble of the 1992 Constitution as the core basis for what the team is all about.

“The preamble of our Constitution clearly states the fundamental values it upholds. One key principle is accountability,” he explained.

Ayine noted that ORAL's purpose is to promote accountability by focusing on politically exposed individuals who have taken advantage of their positions to illegally enrich themselves.

He added that the team's job is to recover stolen assets, funds, and other resources for the public good.

“ORAL is here to hold accountable those who abuse their offices to steal from the public, whether it's property or money. So yes, ORAL is absolutely within constitutional bounds,” he emphasized.

He also made it clear that just because ORAL isn’t a legal entity doesn’t mean it’s operating outside the law. “Being a non-legal body doesn’t equal illegality,” he said, noting that the team works under a framework that respects the rule of law and protects the rights of those being investigated.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah