The Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) team has officially received its first dossier concerning a GH¢500 million scandal involving ghost names in the National Service Scheme. The development was confirmed by the team’s leader, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Friday, December 20.
The ORAL initiative, established to investigate and recover misappropriated public funds, has reiterated its commitment to handling all information from the public with the highest levels of discretion and urgency.
“We are extremely grateful to The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa for the presentation and their exceptional patriotism. Together, we shall reset Ghana and recover all loot,” he wrote on his X page.
The scandal, which has drawn public concern, reportedly involves fraudulent payments to non-existent beneficiaries within the National Service Scheme. The team aims to collaborate closely with whistleblowers and key stakeholders to uncover the full scope of the fraud and take appropriate recovery measures.
Media Foundation for West Africa and its platform The Fourth Estate had intended to broadcast a documentary on the scandal but the NSS secured a court injunction prohibiting the media organisation from broadcasting the investigative story. It however petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate the issues.
The decision to share the information with the ORAL team reinforces the determination to have the issues investigated and offenders punished.
This marks the first major test of the ORAL initiative’s effectiveness in combating corruption under President-elect John Mahama’s administration. Further updates on the investigation and its outcomes are expected in the coming weeks.
