Accra, January 15, 2025 – Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has firmly defended the legality of the committee’s activities amidst growing criticism. Speaking on Joy News’ Upfront, Mr. Domelevo challenged detractors to take their grievances to court if they believe ORAL is operating unlawfully.
“The courts are not closed. 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.
The Role of ORAL
Mr. Domelevo clarified that ORAL’s mandate is straightforward: collecting data voluntarily provided by the public to assist the executive in addressing corruption-related matters. He emphasized that the committee neither investigates nor invites individuals for questioning.
“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 described the work as voluntary and focused on supporting the executive with credible data, which is then referred to appropriate institutions such as EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Addressing Criticism and Hypocrisy
Responding to allegations that ORAL is overstepping its bounds, Mr. Domelevo dismissed the claims as unfounded and hypocritical.
“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,” he observed.
He attributed the backlash to fear among individuals who feel threatened by the committee’s work.
“The best form of defence is an attack. Anybody who thinks this may lead to them being exposed will definitely attack.”
Legal and Ethical Clarity
Mr. Domelevo reiterated that ORAL operates within the confines of the law and underscored the importance of legal clarity.
“Until something is prohibited by law, it’s lawful. Otherwise, one day you will say, ‘Daniel, you are being unlawful by wearing a smock into the studio.’”
He assured the public that ORAL’s work is conducted transparently and with the sole aim of supporting national anti-corruption efforts.
A Call for Constructive Action
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Domelevo encouraged critics to take constructive action by pursuing their concerns through the courts rather than engaging in baseless accusations.
“If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing—lawfully and transparently,” he asserted.
