The government has launched investigations into 65 individuals as part of a sweeping anti-corruption initiative targeting over 200 suspected cases, according to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the country’s Minister for Government Communications.
The investigations fall under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), an initiative spearheaded by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama to recover misappropriated state assets and enforce accountability among current and former public officials.
Speaking during a discussion on TV3’s The Key Points, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that 65 cases have been actively pursued so far. “This is part of President Mahama’s renewed effort to ensure that officials who mishandle public funds are held responsible,” he said.
The crackdown is also targeting officials who have failed to comply with Ghana’s asset declaration laws—regulations often flouted in the past with little consequence. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the current administration is determined to change that precedent. “In the past, people flouted this with no consequences. This time, President Mahama is setting a certain tone,” he said.
President Mahama has introduced new sanctions to enforce compliance. Officials who failed to declare their assets by the March 31 deadline will forfeit four months’ salary. According to a recent communication from the presidency, this penalty includes an initial one-month salary deduction agreed upon by all appointees, with an additional three months tacked on for those who missed the deadline.
The President issued the directive in February, warning that any appointee failing to meet the declaration deadline could face dismissal. He reiterated the warning on May 5 while launching a new Code of Conduct for Public Servants in Accra. “If you have not declared your assets by May 7, you are paying four months’ salary to Mahama Cares,” the President said, referencing a government accountability initiative.
An updated list of compliant and non-compliant appointees is expected from the Auditor-General’s office within days. The President has indicated he will act on the findings immediately. “We need the Auditor-General’s update because some appointments occurred after the initial deadline. Once we have that clarity, necessary actions will follow,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained.
The Mahama administration, which returned to power pledging a clean-government agenda, appears intent on restoring public trust through aggressive anti-corruption enforcement and greater institutional transparency.
Source:TheDotNews