Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, has declared that the government’s anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), is yielding tangible results within his ministry. Since assuming office, he has actively intervened to halt questionable transactions and recover misappropriated state resources, emphasizing that every decision he makes is guided by the principles of ORAL. This initiative, spearheaded by a preparatory committee chaired by Ablakwa himself, has achieved several significant milestones in its pursuit of financial accountability and transparency within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
One of the most notable achievements of ORAL has been the successful reclamation of all ministry-owned lands in the prestigious Airport Residential Area, which had previously been sold off under questionable circumstances. This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding state assets and preventing their unlawful disposal. Furthermore, the ministry, under Ablakwa’s leadership, thwarted an illegal attempt to sell a diplomatic property in Lagos, Nigeria. This proactive intervention prevented the loss of a valuable national asset and demonstrated the ministry’s vigilance in protecting Ghana’s interests abroad. In connection with this attempted sale, Bright Mensah Bonsu, who allegedly received a $1.5 million partial payment that never reached government coffers, was apprehended with the assistance of national security agencies. This arrest signals a strong message of zero tolerance for corruption and financial impropriety within the ministry.
Continuing the theme of asset recovery, the ministry also reversed a prior decision to sell a diplomatic property in Lusaka, Zambia. This decision reinforces the ministry’s stance against the indiscriminate disposal of state-owned properties and emphasizes the importance of preserving these assets for the benefit of the nation. To further strengthen accountability and prevent future asset misappropriation, the ministry has established a comprehensive asset register, meticulously documenting all its properties. This register will serve as a crucial tool for tracking and managing the ministry’s assets, ensuring their proper utilization and safeguarding them against unauthorized transactions.
Beyond asset recovery, the ministry, under Ablakwa’s stewardship, has also undertaken decisive actions to address questionable financial dealings. A $3.5 million renovation contract for Ghana’s embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, signed in November 2024, was cancelled due to procedural irregularities and the lack of budgetary allocation. This cancellation highlights the ministry’s commitment to upholding due process and ensuring that financial commitments are aligned with approved budgetary provisions. The ministry’s actions demonstrate a firm stance against unauthorized expenditures and underscore its commitment to responsible financial management.
Moreover, the ministry is implementing systemic reforms at its Washington D.C. mission to address what Ablakwa described as deeply entrenched corruption. The mission was temporarily closed earlier in the year to facilitate these reforms, signaling a decisive effort to root out corrupt practices and establish a culture of accountability. These reforms aim to overhaul the mission’s operations, ensuring transparency and integrity in its financial and administrative processes. The temporary closure underscores the seriousness with which the ministry is approaching this issue and its determination to restore trust and credibility to the mission’s operations.
In summary, Minister Ablakwa’s leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been marked by a strong commitment to combating corruption and promoting financial accountability. Through the implementation of ORAL, the ministry has achieved significant progress in recovering misappropriated assets, preventing illegal transactions, and implementing systemic reforms to address underlying vulnerabilities. These actions reflect a broader effort to enhance transparency and integrity within the ministry and safeguard the nation’s resources. Ablakwa’s commitment to upholding the principles of ORAL is evident in his decisive actions and his unwavering focus on promoting good governance within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
