ORAL will set a new standard against state looting – Kwesimintsim MP

Lawyer Philip Fiifi Buckman, the Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim, has justified the establishment of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), describing it as a crucial step towards addressing the alleged plundering of state assets under the Akufo-Addo administration.

Speaking on the Yɛn Nsɛmpa Morning Show on Onua 95.1 FM with Nana Yaa Brefo Danso on January 15, the MP criticized appointees of the previous government, accusing them of acquiring state lands with impunity.

“Akufo-Addo’s appointees were grabbing state lands with impunity because they felt they had power. We need to stop it at some point. There is every need to retrieve all they stole,” he said.

According to Fiifi Buckman, ORAL is a temporary initiative aimed at gathering evidence for use by the incoming Attorney- General to prosecute cases of state property theft. He assured that the initiative would address systemic wrongs and set a precedent for responsible governance.

“The Mahama government is going to set a standard for how not to loot state property. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is temporary, just to gather evidence for the incoming Attorney-General,” he explained.

The Kwesimintsim MP acknowledged that individuals have the right to acquire property but emphasized that state power must not be used to unfairly appropriate assets belonging to the nation.

“People have the right to acquire properties, but you should not use state power to acquire properties, much more those of the state,” he stressed.

In response to accusations that ORAL is a witch-hunt targeting members of the previous government, the MP maintained that the initiative’s purpose is to recover state assets and prevent further abuse of power.

“You can call it a witch-hunt, but the loot will be recovered,” Fiifi Buckman declared.

ORAL, announced by President John Dramani Mahama, has sparked heated political debates, with critics questioning its fairness and legality. However, supporters like Fiifi Buckman insist that the initiative is necessary to restore accountability and integrity in public service.

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By Henry Eliud Yankey

The post ORAL will set a new standard against state looting – Kwesimintsim MP first appeared on 3News.