Professor Elijah Yendaw, the Director of the Centre for Migration, Security and International Relations at SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), has called upon the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) team to heed the voice of the Ghanaian people as they embark on their mandate. He expressed his conviction that certain members within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as Civil Society Organisations, possess crucial information that could significantly aid ORAL’s investigations into corruption. Prof. Yendaw, who also serves as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Public Policy and Governance at SDD-UBIDS, shared these views during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa, following the announcement of the ORAL team by President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
The ORAL team comprises a diverse group of individuals, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency; Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner; Daniel Domelevo, former Auditor General; Retired Commissioner of Police, Kofi Boakye; and Raymond Acher, an investigative journalist. This team, assembled by Mr. Mahama, is tasked with the critical mission of recovering public resources allegedly misappropriated by public officials. Prof. Yendaw lauded Mr. Mahama for establishing the team and expressed confidence in their capacity to effectively execute their duties.
Prof. Yendaw, also the Upper West Regional Coordinator of the Progressive Intellectuals (PI), an NDC-affiliated group of University Lecturers and Administrators, revealed that university professors, administrators, and other concerned Ghanaians actively campaigned for Mr. Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections. This support stemmed from their trust in the NDC’s policy proposals, particularly the commitment to recovering misappropriated funds. The ORAL initiative, he emphasized, resonated deeply with him and many others, fueling their hope for accountability and the restoration of public resources.
He underscored the significance of the ORAL team’s willingness to engage with the public, emphasizing its potential to uncover vital information even from within the ranks of the NPP. Prof. Yendaw firmly believes that if President-elect Mahama successfully delivers on his promise of holding public officials accountable through the ORAL initiative, public trust in the NDC will be bolstered, potentially leading to a prolonged period in opposition for the NPP. He encouraged the ORAL team to remain vigilant and expand its scope beyond the previous Akufo-Addo administration, including the transitional period, as opportunities for corruption can arise during such times.
Prof. Yendaw’s call for public engagement highlights the importance of citizen participation in the fight against corruption. By encouraging individuals, regardless of political affiliation, to come forward with information, the ORAL team can broaden its reach and potentially uncover a more comprehensive picture of misappropriated funds. This approach recognizes that combating corruption requires a collective effort, involving not only government agencies but also the active participation of informed citizens.
The success of the ORAL initiative hinges on several factors, including the team’s independence, investigative prowess, and the cooperation of relevant institutions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of any recovered assets in benefiting the Ghanaian people will depend on transparent and accountable mechanisms for their redistribution and utilization. The initiative represents a significant step towards addressing corruption and restoring public trust, but its ultimate impact will be determined by its implementation and the subsequent actions taken to prevent future occurrences of misappropriation.
