Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly opposed the establishment of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, labeling it as “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Effutu lawmaker expressed his utmost discontent over the creation of the ORAL team, a position strongly taken by the minority in Parliament as well as the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He urged Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, to reassess the committee’s operations and ensure that existing state institutions are allowed to perform their mandated roles without interference from members of ORAL.
He argued that the formation of the ORAL committee is a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles. According to him, bypassing established institutions could deplete public confidence in governance.
The Minority Leader, thereby appealed to the incumbent government to avoid repeating the missteps of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, emphasising the importance of adhering to democratic and constitutional principles.
He said, “Mr. Speaker, that so-called ORAL committee claiming to be going after loot, must be cautioned that that committee is unconstitutional and illegal. And I pray that my respected colleague, Dr Dominic Ayine, after taking office will review the activities of this illegal, unconstitutional body.
“Bring things to order and allow the state institutions clothed with the mandate to investigate, follow due process, and prosecute if necessary.”
He added, “The way this ORAL is going, it will not help the course of our democracy. Today, you are in government; tomorrow, you will be in opposition, do unto others as in all situations you wish them to do unto you. If the NPP side in government made some mistakes in government, you don’t have to continue that path. Pursue justice for all.”
