The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has assured Ghanaians that the government will soon start recovering funds through the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, as investigations into financial irregularities gain momentum.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Ayine noted that while it is not possible to guarantee full recovery of the projected US$21 billion, substantial progress is being made through extensive collaboration with both local and international partners.
Key state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), are providing support domestically.
A specialized investigations team reporting directly to the Attorney-General has also been established to handle sensitive cases.
“The team is composed of highly experienced investigators working discreetly to trace assets and financial losses, and their work is already yielding results,” Dr. Ayine said, adding that funds will begin flowing back into the public purse as cases mature.
Citing the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) as an example, he disclosed that investigations in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) confirmed that GH¢22 million in taxes was evaded in the transaction. Initially, his office estimated the figure at GH¢38.7 million but requested formal verification from the GRA in July last year. The authority confirmed the GH¢22 million figure last week.
Dr. Ayine revealed that the company involved acknowledged in writing that certain imported items were warehoused after being cleared as tax-exempt, despite not qualifying for exemptions.
He stressed that this does not absolve the firm, noting that importing goods without paying required duties constitutes tax evasion.
In addition, he highlighted an alleged US$2 million overpayment linked to the DRIP contract, which will also be pursued alongside the confirmed tax evasion.
He dismissed claims that the overpayment resulted from a clerical error, insisting the issue is substantive and will be fully addressed.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to accountability and asset recovery, Dr. Ayine assured the public that ongoing ORAL investigations would lead to tangible financial recoveries for the state.
Meanwhile, former Auditor-General and ORAL team member Daniel Yao Domelevo urged that momentum on the government’s anti-corruption drive be maintained to preserve public trust.
“ORAL was a big plan that was used for the 2024 election, and we must keep it hot so the public does not lose confidence in what we are doing.”
