Abena Osei Asare slams “Operation Recover All Loots” as unlawful and unconstitutional

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei Asare, has strongly criticised the establishment of President-elect John Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) committee, labelling it both unlawful and unconstitutional.

Speaking during a thank-you tour in her constituency in the Eastern Region, the MP, who also serves as the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, questioned the legitimacy of the five-member committee chaired by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

According to her, existing state institutions already have the mandate to address corruption-related issues, making the creation of a parallel committee unnecessary and redundant.

Abena Osei Asare expressed doubts about the committee’s authority to enforce its findings.

She argued that the committee’s activities, being outside the framework of constitutional mandates, would have no binding legal effect.

“The incoming government should not be in haste in pursuing an agenda that is not legally accepted by the Constitution,” she emphasised.

She also called on the incoming administration to respect existing laws and institutions rather than setting up interest-based committees with questionable legal standing.

While the committee has faced opposition from some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), others have voiced support.

Former Obuasi East NPP MP Edward Ennin has pledged to provide evidence of looted assets, and former NPP General Secretary Nana Obiri Boahen has commended the initiative.

The committee, described as nonpartisan and operating pro bono, has no associated budget or financial burden.

It aims to ensure accountability and fairness in the recovery of state assets.

However, Abena Osei Asare maintained that the government’s approach should align with constitutional principles to avoid undermining the rule of law.

During her address, the MP acknowledged the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections but assured her constituents of the party’s resolve to regain public trust.“

Although Ghanaians may have been disappointed and voted against the NPP, we respect the will of the people and remain confident in our ability to bounce back,” she stated.

Abena Osei Asare’s remarks underscore the growing debate over the legality and necessity of the ORAL committee, highlighting the challenges the incoming administration faces in balancing political initiatives with constitutional adherence.