Renowned former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo, now a member of the newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, has addressed public misconceptions surrounding the fight against corruption in Ghana.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Wednesday in an interview monitored by InsiderGH.com, Domelevo emphasized that tackling corruption requires collaboration among multiple institutions, as no single entity has exclusive authority over corruption cases.
Mr. Domelevo explained that his decision to join the ORAL Team aligns with his lifelong commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability.
“All these years, I have been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, crusading for looted monies to be returned and for people to be held accountable,” he said. “So if the opportunity comes to do some preparatory work and I am invited, I don’t see why I should not be involved.”
The ORAL Team, led by Chairperson Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is tasked with recovering misappropriated public funds and investigating corruption allegations brought forward by citizens. Domelevo expressed confidence in the team’s mission, describing it as an essential step toward addressing financial mismanagement in Ghana.
“As the Chairperson, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, put it, we are talking about the bleeding of the public purse, and we may have to take action quickly,” Domelevo remarked.
Misconceptions About Anti-Corruption Jurisdiction
Mr. Domelevo also sought to dispel the notion that all corruption cases fall under the purview of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
“It is not true that all corruption or abuses of public funds reside with the Special Prosecutor,” he clarified. “Some issues may be within the domain of the Auditor-General, others might belong to EOCO, CHRAJ, or even other agencies.”
He emphasized the need for a systematic approach to classify and assign cases to the appropriate institutions for effective investigation.
“It is necessary that we gather this information and break it into pieces. We need to say, ‘Look, these cases are good for the Special Prosecutor, these for the Auditor-General, and these for CHRAJ or EOCO.’”
Importance of Data and Preparation
Highlighting the critical role of data collection and analysis, Domelevo acknowledged the challenges associated with the process.
“Gathering data and making sense of it is not an easy job—it’s time-consuming,” he said. “This period, before the President-elect takes office, is crucial. He cannot direct investigations or prosecutions yet, but he can collect data to be ready when the time comes.”
According to Domelevo, the ORAL Team’s preparatory work will lay the foundation for actionable investigations under the incoming administration.
Domelevo underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing corruption comprehensively, noting that some cases require forensic auditing rather than criminal prosecution.
“Some allegations may not need to go to the Special Prosecutor but require auditing. That’s why having different agencies, each with its mandate, is critical in addressing corruption comprehensively,” he explained.
Restoring Confidence in Governance
Expressing optimism about the ORAL Team’s ability to recover stolen funds and rebuild public trust, Domelevo stressed the broader significance of the initiative.
“This is not just about uncovering corruption; it’s about ensuring accountability and sending a clear message that the era of impunity is over,” he said. “The public needs to know that no matter the institution involved, there will be consequences for misconduct,” he stated
Source: InsiderGH.com
