President-elect John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians that his administration’s “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative is not a witch-hunt but a targeted effort to combat corruption and ensure accountability.
Speaking during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Miriam Montrat, Mahama emphasised that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
Mahama explained that ORAL is designed to gather evidence of corruption and channel it to state institutions mandated to investigate and prosecute crimes. He noted that a preparatory committee has been set up to receive information and evidence from the public.
“ORAL is not going to investigate people or replace established institutions. Its sole purpose is to collect and compile evidence for the appropriate authorities,” Mahama clarified.
The committee, working pro bono, ensures no financial burden on taxpayers. Mahama dismissed fears of political victimisation, assuring that the initiative aims to restore public trust and accountability.
Mahama highlighted critical areas requiring immediate attention, including agriculture, mining, and energy.
- Agriculture:
- Plans to enhance agro-processing and address inefficiencies within the National Buffer Stock Company were announced.
- Mahama stressed involving the private sector to stabilise the agriculture value chain and prevent losses for farmers.
- Energy:
- The president-elect criticised the outgoing administration for accruing a $2.5 billion debt in the energy sector.
- He pledged to conduct audits, introduce reforms, and address technical and commercial losses at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which currently stands at 32%.
- “The energy sector needs urgent surgery to prevent an economic collapse,” Mahama stated.
- Mining:
- Adoption of technology for land reclamation and sustainable mining practices was proposed.
Mahama expressed his administration’s willingness to strengthen ties with Canada, acknowledging their longstanding partnership. He applauded Canadian investments in Ghana’s northern region and the health sector.
High Commissioner Montrat called for a direct flight between Canada and Ghana, citing its potential to enhance tourism, trade, and investment. She also emphasised areas such as women’s empowerment, food security, and creating a conducive investment environment.
Mahama pledged transparency regarding the state of the economy, vowing to “open the books” upon taking office to ensure Ghanaians understand the economic challenges and the measures needed for recovery.
He criticised the outgoing government’s optimistic portrayal of the economy, stating, “They want to create an upbeat story about their economic management before they leave office, but the energy sector debt alone could collapse everything.”
The Canadian High Commissioner expressed optimism about Mahama’s administration, urging measures to reassure foreign investors of the security of their investments in Ghana.
Montrat commended Ghana’s first female vice president-elect, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality.
As Mahama prepares to assume office, his outlined priorities underscore his administration’s focus on transparency, accountability, and strategic sectoral reforms aimed at fostering national development.