President-elect John Dramani Mahama has clarified the purpose and scope of the newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative. The initiative is designed as an information-gathering hub for corruption allegations, not an investigative body. Concerned citizens can submit evidence of corruption through various channels – text messages, phone calls, or intermediaries – to ORAL, which will then collate and forward the information to the appropriate government institutions for investigation. Mahama emphasized that ORAL has no investigative powers and functions solely as a conduit for channeling corruption allegations. The team members are serving on a pro bono basis without a designated budget, highlighting the initiative’s focus on efficiency and public service. This clarification addresses public misunderstandings about ORAL’s role, reassuring citizens that it is not intended as a witch-hunt but rather a mechanism to streamline the reporting and handling of corruption allegations.
The President-elect underscored the urgency of addressing the mismanagement within Ghana’s energy sector. He highlighted the accumulation of substantial debts, estimated at $2.5 billion, as a consequence of the outgoing administration’s policies. Mahama expressed concern that this financial burden, if left unchecked, could lead to a complete collapse of the energy sector, jeopardizing the nation’s power supply. He specifically pointed to poor governance within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as a major contributor to the sector’s financial woes, criticizing the substantial losses incurred by the company. Mahama’s remarks signal his administration’s commitment to tackling the deep-seated challenges within the energy sector, with a focus on fiscal responsibility and improved governance.
During a courtesy call by Canadian High Commissioner Miriam Montrat, President-elect Mahama expressed his gratitude for Canada’s ongoing support for Ghana’s socioeconomic development, particularly through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)’s contributions to initiatives in northern Ghana. The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss key areas of mutual interest, including women’s empowerment, food security, agriculture, and security. The High Commissioner raised concerns regarding outstanding payments owed to Canadian companies that have provided services to Ghana, highlighting the importance of a stable and predictable investment climate. This exchange underscores the significance of international partnerships in supporting Ghana’s development goals and fostering economic cooperation.
High Commissioner Montrat commended Mahama on his electoral victory and applauded his selection of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his Vice President-elect. She lauded Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s achievement as a significant milestone for women’s representation in Ghanaian politics, emphasizing its inspirational impact on women and girls across the country. This recognition highlights the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusivity in leadership positions. The High Commissioner extended an invitation to President-elect Mahama to speak at an event in Canada in June 2025, showcasing Ghana’s achievements. This invitation underscores the positive bilateral relationship between the two countries and Canada’s interest in Ghana’s progress.
The meeting between Mahama and High Commissioner Montrat touched upon several key aspects of Ghana’s domestic and international priorities. The discussion围绕 corruption, energy sector reform, and international partnerships reflects the incoming administration’s focus on good governance, economic stability, and fostering strong international relationships. The President-elect’s commitment to addressing corruption through ORAL and his concern about the energy sector’s financial health indicate a proactive approach to tackling critical challenges facing the nation. The engagement with Canada highlights the importance of international collaboration in supporting Ghana’s development agenda.
In summary, the meeting served as a platform to address crucial issues facing Ghana while reinforcing the strong ties between Ghana and Canada. The President-elect’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing corruption, his focus on revitalizing the energy sector, and his willingness to engage with international partners underscore a forward-looking approach to governance and development. The discussion with the Canadian High Commissioner exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ghana’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth and social progress. The emphasis on women’s empowerment and the recognition of Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s achievement further highlight the commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in leadership roles.
