ORAL-I’m receiving calls, text messages about corruption- Mahama

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has revealed that he has been inundated with reports of alleged corruption scandals following his victory in the December 7 elections.
He stated that concerned individuals have been reaching out through calls, text messages, and intermediaries to share information on suspected corrupt practices.
“We’re receiving a lot of information about corruption scandals. Some send me texts, others call, and some pass through intermediaries. We want a focal point where all that evidence is directed,” President-elect Mahama disclosed.
He made these remarks during a courtesy call by Madam Miriam Montrat, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, at his Cantonments office in Accra.
The High Commissioner congratulated him on his electoral success and discussed bilateral relations.

Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)
To streamline the handling of corruption-related reports, President-elect Mahama has announced the formation of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a preparatory committee aimed at assembling evidence of corruption and forwarding it to appropriate state institutions for investigation.

President-elect Mahama clarified that ORAL is not a tool for witch-hunting and has no investigative powers.
“The team is serving pro bono, and they have no authority to investigate individuals themselves,” he emphasized. Instead, ORAL’s role will be to gather and document evidence for proper action.
He also assured the public that the committee’s work would not incur any budgetary expenditure, stressing the voluntary nature of the team’s efforts.

Challenges in the energy sector
Turning his attention to Ghana’s energy sector, the President-elect lamented its dire state under the outgoing administration. He disclosed that the sector is burdened with $2.5 billion in debt, warning of a potential collapse if urgent measures are not implemented.
“The energy sector needs urgent surgery. Poor governance at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has resulted in significant losses, which must be addressed immediately,” Mahama stated.

Canada’s support and partnership
The Canadian High Commissioner, Madam Miriam Montrat, lauded Mahama’s leadership, particularly his selection of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Vice-President-elect.
She noted that this milestone serves as an inspiration for women and girls across Ghana.

Madam Montrat reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Ghana in areas such as women empowerment, food security, agriculture, and security.
She also raised concerns about outstanding payments owed to Canadian companies by the outgoing administration and advocated for creating a more conducive investment environment.
Additionally, she suggested the establishment of direct flights between Canada and Ghana to enhance trade and investment relations.

Invitation to Canada
Madam Montrat extended an invitation to President-elect Mahama to speak at an event in Canada in June 2025, where he would discuss Ghana’s achievements and share insights on governance and development.

ORAL team members announced
President-elect Mahama recently appointed North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Chairperson of ORAL.
Other members of the team include former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
The ORAL initiative, according to Mahama, is a critical step toward restoring accountability and integrity in governance. #
He urged Ghanaians to support the effort, assuring them that his administration is committed to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
As the President-elect prepares to assume office, his proactive stance on corruption and plans to address Ghana’s energy challenges signal his commitment to effective governance.
With ORAL’s formation and Canada’s continued partnership, Mahama aims to set the tone for a transparent and development-oriented administration.