Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has warned President Mahama about the dangers of the ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ agenda, advocating transparency and accountability to avert scandals.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, an investigative journalist, has warned President John Dramani Mahama that pursuing stolen assets can be risky.
He argues that President John Dramani Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), which was launched as part of his effort to recover stolen state properties, has the potential to become a major scandal in his administration.
In an open letter to the president, Manasseh said, “The Akufo-Addo administration attempted to recover loot, but it resulted in a scandal when the government, led by Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, hired Kroll Associates to audit transactions.” Your ORAL team and the government should conduct themselves ethically. Those who have stolen millions of dollars can simply reach agreements with some of your officials and appointees. If you show signs of weakness, ORAL might become a significant scandal in your administration, preventing you from engaging in genuine accountability. “ORAL should apply to members of your administration.”
He went on to say that because President Mahama will not be running for reelection, this is an excellent time for him to make difficult decisions to succeed.
Manasseh stated that one major flaw of President Mahama’s first term, from 2013 to 2016, was his inability to make tough decisions, but, considering that he will not run again, he should not be concerned about offending his people by making tough decisions for the sake of the country.
“You will not seek. Re-election: One big flaw in your first term was your unwillingness to make difficult decisions. You cannot succeed as president or leader if you are frightened of offending some party members.
“Fortunately, this time you do not have to go to them for nomination, so those who would oppose your good works for selfish motives should not be allowed to keep Ghana hostage. You are in a better position to act tough and set positive examples. “Don’t waste this golden opportunity, sir,” he warned in an article headlined “Goldmines and Landmines: Manasseh’s open letter to President Mahama.“
Manasseh also urged President Mahama not to hesitate in disciplining his appointees who are implicated in corruption problems.
“Some are in to make money and retire with you because they stand no chance of being in a future NDC administration,” he said.
He said that others have presidential ambitions and want to establish war chests of resources to pursue them.
“With minds infected with selfish aspirations, some will soon begin looting and misbehaving. If there is even the slightest suspicion of a scandal, don’t be afraid to crack the whip. This is how you can save your administration. Don’t be like the former Chief Clearing Agent, who employed state security agencies to clear his appointees of visa racketeering only to have those cleared openly admit their involvement,” he urged.
President Mahama has urged newly sworn-in ministers to serve with humility, candour, and commitment.
He made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of six cabinet nominees on Wednesday, January 22, following their approval by Parliament after extensive vetting and debate.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been sworn in as Finance Minister, Dr. Dominic Ayine as Attorney General, John Jinapor as Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Haruna Iddrisu as Education Minister, Eric Opoku as Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Governor Kwame Agbodza as Minister for Roads and Highways.
