Former Chairman of the Asokwa Constituency, Mr. Robert Asare Bediako, recently shared his thoughts on the five-member committee established by President-elect John Dramani Mahama for Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) in an interview with broadcast journalist Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady, on Okay FM.
His comments shed light on the broader implications of the initiative and how it aligns with Mahama’s vision for the country.
The ORAL initiative, which was introduced by Mahama, aims to identify and recover any misappropriated state funds and assets.
Asare Bediako expressed his full support for the committee, which includes renowned figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelovo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
He praised Mahama’s proactive approach, asserting that the operation would help restore public trust in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
“I believe the initiative is a great step forward. It demonstrates the President-elect’s determination to put Ghana first, and I’m confident that it will help cleanse the system,” he said.
Asare Bediako’s comments also extended to his own party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He made it clear that no NPP member should feel threatened by the operation.
“We are not here to defend corruption. Our purpose in office is to serve the people of Ghana, not to engage in any form of misconduct,” he affirmed.
He further added that if any NPP official is found guilty of wrongdoing, without the knowledge of the party, they would fully support Mahama in identifying that individual.
This support for Mahama’s initiative, according to Asare Bediako, could ultimately strengthen the NPP ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“If the operation does not uncover any wrongdoing, it will prove that our party remains clean, and this will counter any negative narratives spread by the opposition,” he stated confidently.
The ORAL committee has been tasked with scrutinizing the activities of individuals and institutions involved in the management of state resources.
The committee’s objective is to recover assets that may have been illicitly acquired, ultimately contributing to a fairer and more accountable system of governance.
For Mahama, this move is part of a broader strategy to implement stringent accountability measures and rebuild the public’s trust in the public sector, which has been a focal point of his presidential campaign.
