The Chairman of the Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL) Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for laws to prevent political appointees and exposed persons from acquiring state assets, describing such practices as “state capture” driven by “insatiable greed.”
Speaking during a site visit to state lands in Cantonments, Labone, and La Wireless in Accra, Ablakwa emphasized the urgency of reforms to end the sale of state properties to private developers and politically connected individuals.
“The Ghanaian people want to see the end of this. They want us to get to the bottom,” Ablakwa stated, vowing that ORAL would not stop until justice was served.
The ORAL Committee, which includes notable members such as former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathan Kofi Boakye, lawyer Martin Kpebu, and former investigative journalist Raymond Archer, is tasked with investigating and recovering misappropriated state assets.
Ablakwa assured Ghanaians that ORAL’s work would result in legislative reforms, including prohibitions on politically exposed persons purchasing state properties and improving valuation processes by the Lands Commission.
“This is not a flash in the pan,” he said, outlining the committee’s multifaceted strategy. The committee’s work includes gathering evidence, recovering assets, and prosecuting offenders.
State Property Allegations
• The Agri-Mechanisation Centre in Cantonments, where roofs were removed, leaving equipment exposed to the weather.
• CSIR staff bungalows, reportedly sold to a developer with ties to the previous government. Tenants have been served ejection notices, but Ablakwa assured their safety.
• State Housing Company property in Labone and the African Union Village in La Wireless, also linked to redevelopment deals involving political figures.
Raymond Archer described the tour as a fact-finding mission, adding, “You’ve seen public officials actively working for the state being ejected from their homes to make way for private interests connected to other public officials.”
Ablakwa commended President Mahama for his January 10 directive to halt all state land transactions, describing it as timely and crucial.
The findings from the site visit will form part of ORAL’s report to the President, who is expected to act decisively on the recommendations.
