Gov’t: No Interference in ORAL Cases (Says Over GH¢1.5bn Assets Seized, Reforms Coming)
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a government spokesperson, has turned down calls for the government to pressure the courts to speed up prosecutions under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative. He said that the government will not interfere with the courts. Kwakye Ofosu said on PM Express on Joy News that the government’s job is only to look into cases, gather evidence, and present it in court. After that, judges decide how quickly the case will move forward. In response to criticism, including concerns raised by former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, he said that investigative agencies have made progress. He pointed out that the Attorney General has overseen 27 dockets and about 40 additional cases that the Economic and Organized Crime Office is looking into. These investigations have led to over 140 arrests and the seizure of assets worth about 1.5 billion Ghana cedis, with several suspects already on trial. He also said that delays in the court system have been a problem for a long time, but the government is working on structural changes, such as bringing back constitutionally recognized tribunals approved by cabinet, to help speed up cases involving ORAL and other financial crimes.
