Private legal practitioner and member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Martin Kpebu, on Tuesday struggled to confirm whether persons mentioned in the report for suspected criminal and corrupt acts include members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
A report on the work of the committee was submitted to the president on Monday.
During a discussion of the report on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, host Kojo Yankson asked, “Out of the 230 cases that you reviewed, how many were against NDC personalities?”
Mr. Kpebu, unable to answer directly, hesitated before responding, “The challenge here is whether I am allowed to go into the details of the report beyond what has already been shared.”
Kojo Yankson pressed him further, saying, “We are okay if you don’t mention names. We just want to know whether any of the 230 cases you reviewed involved NDC members.”
Mr. Kpebu attempted to deflect the question by saying, “Looking at the numbers—our population, the NDC and NPP vote—it’s normal to expect that some cases would involve NDC members.”
Kojo Yankson followed up, asking, “So, there were some NDC people involved?”
“I said it’s normal to expect, Kojo,” Martin responded.
Out of the 230 cases, the ORAL Committee highlighted 36 as critical and provided details to the president. Kojo Yankson again asked how many of these 36 cases involved NDC members.
“I don’t have that offhand,” the lawyer replied.
“Was there even one that was against the NDC?” the host asked again. Mr. Kpebu, unable to provide a direct answer, replied quickly, “Kojo, same answer—some will, of course, involve NDC people.”
Mr. Kpebu, who has been vocal in his support of ORAL’s operations, emphasised that he could not speak beyond what had been presented to the president.
However, he said that if given the authority, he would be able to discuss the details of the report.
The ORAL Committee has submitted over two thousand reports to the president, detailing cases of corruption and related issues identified in the country.
Since its establishment, ORAL has faced criticism, particularly from members of the opposition, who argue that the committee lacks a legal foundation. Despite this, the committee has remained steadfast in its operations.
The cases are now with the Attorney General for investigation and possible prosecution.