Daniel Yaw Domelevo, a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has said those questioning the legality of the team’s operations have something to hide.
This is a reiteration of a similar statement made by the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that critics of the committee are persons in the NPP who have looted state resources.
In Domelevo’s comments, he shared a similar sentiment saying people are expressing fears because they have made some acquisitions which are illegal and may face prosecution for them.
“The best form of defence is an attack. Anybody who thinks this may lead to them being exposed will definitely attack,” he said on Accra-based JoyNews Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
His comments stem from reservations from a section of the public about the operations of the committee.
Many have said the committee is not backed by any legislation making their operations illegal. However, Domelevo says they have not engaged in anything illegal as being asserted by people.
He clarified that their activities aim at solely focusing on data collection to assist the executive which is lawful and straightforward, asking those with concerns to seek redress in court.
“Let me be very clear, we are working and being told we are operating illegally. The courts are not closed. They are still there. So, if anyone thinks we are unlawful, they should go to court.
“Let the court tell us, ‘Oh, guys, you cannot even collect information when people bring it to you.’ If that happens, we will shut down and go,” he stated.
He further dismissed claims that the committee is overstepping its mandate by wallowing in the jurisdiction of other anti-graft agencies.
“We are not even inviting anybody. The publication went out from the office of the then president-elect, saying that if you have information, bring it to us via the provided hotlines, website, or email. That’s all we are using. The issue of inviting anyone does not even arise,” he clarified.
“We collect data and hand it over to the president. The president may then decide to refer it to the appropriate body—be it EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor. That’s all we do,” he explained.
Highlighting the inconsistencies in the criticisms of the public, he said similar initiatives adopted in the past were not viewed in same lens.
“In September 2017, the Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo announced that foreign firms had been engaged to collect data, investigate, and even help with prosecution. Back then, it was fine. But now, a simple team collecting data is a problem. That is the hypocrisy we have in this country,” the anti-graft campaigner stated.
Mr Domelevo reiterated that ORAL’s work is entirely voluntary and aimed at supporting the executive in making informed decisions about corruption-related cases.
Mr. Domelevo asked those who have concerns to channel them through the appropriate quarters instead of making accusations without basis.