ORAL: Winneba residents demand sustainable accountability
Residents of Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana have called for a sustainable accountability system to hold public officials to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility.
This demand is in respect to President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress’ Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, which is part of his anti-corruption agenda in Ghana.
In a vox-pop with Nyce FM’s Joyceline Durban in Winneba on Tuesday, January 28, some residents applauded ORAL as a genuinely good initiative. However, they believe that if it turns out that the President and the NDC are taking this initiative with a politically motivated mindset rather than a sincere effort to eradicate corruption, then the effectiveness of ORAL will be undermined.
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One of the residents believes that this initiative should be a national priority that would be sustained through governments and generations. According to him, it should not be the case where it becomes a partisan project, established by the NDC, only to be abandoned when the party leaves office. This, to him, will gradually establish a stronger, more stable country.
“If all citizens team up to ensure the effectiveness of this initiative to check the mismanagement of government assets by government officials, then it is a great idea. However, if it becomes a partisan policy, it would be the case of holding people accountable only because you were held accountable,” he said.
Another resident drew a comparison between Ghana and developed countries, noting the effectiveness of anti-corruption systems in these countries. According to the resident, these strong mechanisms have enabled the leaders of the developed countries to manage the economy and other sectors, preventing unnecessary hardships for their citizens.
“The president should not have sympathy for any public official who embezzles public funds. If you take a look at the developed countries, you would realize that there is law enforcement. No one is above the law. One or two of these leaders who embezzle funds should be punished as a deterrent for the rest,” he said.
They advise the NDC and all governments who will come into power to ensure the sustainability of this initiative, as it is more important to them than merely establishing it to be abandoned after they lose power.
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Background:
The Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative was officially introduced by President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This step was taken by the president to totally eradicate corruption in Ghana and to recover state properties that have been mismanaged by public officials.
As part of President John Dramani Maham’s 120-day social contract promise, Operation Recover All Loots was introduced.
For this reason, the President set up a committee of five members who are tasked with leading this initiative. Members of the committee are Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, serving as the Chairman, and Mr. Daniel Domelovo, who is the Former Auditor-General, COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, a retired Police commissioner; Mr. Martin Kpebu, a Private Legal practitioner; and Mr. Raymond Archer, an Investigative Journalist
ORAL is aimed at ensuring transparency, such that all government officials are held accountable. With the implementation of this initiative, citizens of the country are expected to report any cases of corruption they come across, as it is believed that the five-member committee cannot do this alone.
Corruption has been a significant challenge in Ghana that has retarded the growth in the various sectors of the country, such as health, environment, economy, etc., and the nation at large. ORAL seeking to team up all citizens to eradicate corruption is a bold step towards growth.