Election 2024: We’ll investigate, prosecute corrupt officials

John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reaffirmed his commitment to a rigorous crackdown on corruption if elected in the 2024 general election.

Speaking at the NDC Governance Forum in Accra on October 31, Mahama pledged to create a more transparent administration by investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials.

To bolster this effort, he emphasized the integration of both local and international expertise, expressing confidence that a collaborative approach would deliver results.

“I’m affirming my commitment to root out the canker of corruption,” Mahama stated, underlining his belief that an anti-corruption strategy backed by broad expertise is essential for tackling corruption’s impact on governance.

A central piece of Mahama’s anti-corruption strategy is his proposed “Operation Recover All the Loot” (ORAL), a campaign specifically designed to make corruption a high-risk endeavor.

According to Mahama, ORAL will involve a sweeping investigation targeting corrupt officials and any parties involved in misconduct related to state assets.

He emphasized that this initiative will prioritize accountability at all levels of government, marking a significant shift from current practices.

“Operation Recover All the Loot will investigate and prosecute the persons involved in corruption,” Mahama assured, stating that the operation would employ stringent measures to ensure justice and restore public trust.

To further curb corruption, Mahama has proposed legislation prohibiting political appointees and public officials from purchasing state assets. Additionally, he outlined plans to establish a state assets registrar, a body intended to efficiently manage state resources and handle corruption cases. Mahama believes this measure will help dismantle the phenomenon of “state capture,” in which influential figures exploit state resources for personal gain. “We shall address the detrimental phenomena of state capture by establishing a state asset registrar,” he added. Mahama’s emphasis on these reforms reflects a larger vision of transparency and integrity as core tenets of his prospective administration.