The Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Chairman of President John Mahama’s five-member corruption investigative committee has stated that individuals who have not stolen from the state have no reason to fear Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
His remarks came in response to criticism from former Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who questioned the necessity of the newly formed ORAL committee announced by President Mahama.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin criticized the committee, arguing that it undermines existing state institutions tasked with combating corruption.
Speaking during his final remarks as Majority Leader of the 8th Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin dismissed the initiative as a “wild goose chase” and warned that it could be used for political retribution.
He expressed concerns that the committee’s activities might create an atmosphere of fear and instability in governance.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further criticized the committee, saying it could lead to unnecessary pursuits of individuals on mere suspicion of corruption.
“We don’t want people chasing others into their homes, going into their rooms, thinking that their government is in office and therefore they should pursue people on suspicion of so-called corruption,” he said.
In response, Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking in an interview with the media, assured the public that the committee would not target innocent individuals.
“If you have not taken anything that belongs to the Ghanaian people, you don’t have to fear ORAL. If you haven’t taken the people’s lands, hotels, forest reserves, river bodies, cars, or money, then you have nothing to fear. You shouldn’t be raving and ranting. All this sleeplessness and restlessness is so suspicious,” Ablakwa remarked.
He added, “Why are senior and leading members of the NPP, like Obiri Boahen and Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe, welcoming ORAL? Even Hon. Ennin, the former MP for Obuasi East, has reached out to us and is assisting us. Those who have not looted or engaged in kleptocracy or lootocracy are not worried about ORAL. Why is Afenyo-Markin so concerned that people will come and look under their beds or into their accounts? Does that not raise suspicion? What are they hiding? What are they so afraid of? Why this outburst? He is beside himself and looks so frightened. Why is he scared?”
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