Panic grips over establishment of ORAL…Says it’s needless and unconstitutional
Panic grips over establishment of ORAL...Says it’s needless and unconstitutional
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the establishment of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, describing it as both unnecessary and unconstitutional.
In a statement delivered during his closing remarks on the Floor of Parliament on Monday, January 6, Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the proper enforcement of Ghana’s laws should take precedence over the creation of such committees.
The ORAL team, which was officially inaugurated on December 18, 2024, is reportedly tasked with investigating and reclaiming assets alleged to have been unlawfully acquired during previous administrations.
However, Afenyo-Markin expressed deep reservations about its legality and purpose, arguing that it undermines established legal processes and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
He cautioned that allowing such a committee to operate unchecked could erode the rule of law and disrupt the governance of the country.
Afenyo-Markin further argued that Ghana’s Constitution provides sufficient mechanisms for addressing issues of corruption and wrongdoing without the need for extrajudicial bodies such as ORAL.
“Where we believe that somebody has committed a crime, we should allow the law to take effect. It is on this note that I condemn the constitution of ORAL. It is a needless committee, it has no constitutional backing, and it is only in for personal vendetta.
“If we allow this committee to continue its wild goose chase, it will destroy the governance of this country.”
