SONA: The statements made by Mahama regarding ORAL in 2025 compared to his current remarks
The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) anti-corruption program was a key promise made by President John Dramani Mahama during his campaign, intended to retrieve all funds misappropriated from the government by appointed officials.
During his inaugural State of the Nation Address, President Mahama referenced ORAL three times, highlighting the quantity of corruption-related cases submitted to him by the ORAL committee, which he later forwarded to his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine.
“I also committed to confronting corruption directly through Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). Accordingly, Mr Speaker, one of the initial committees I created, prior to my official inauguration as President, was the ORAL committee alongside the transition committee.
“It is worth noting that the committee has received more than two thousand (2,000) complaints and has since delivered a detailed report. This report has been presented to the Attorney General for in-depth examination, meticulous investigation, and subsequent legal action.
“The recent arrests linked to the unjust distribution of Two Million US Dollars in the Skytrain incident and the National Service ghost names controversy are merely the start of a thorough response based on findings from the ORAL Committee,” the President stated in his 2025 SONA.
Approximately a year later, despite ongoing prosecutions concerning ORAL cases, including the National Service scandal, the Adu Bohen NSB case, and the Sky Train issue, the President seems to have adopted a more lenient stance on the initiative.
In his 2026 SONA, President Mahama did not mention ORAL at all, although he indicated that some Ghanaians were frustrated by the ‘slow progress’ of the initiative.
Mahama affirmed that those who have embezzled state funds will be held accountable, emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures in this endeavor.
He cautioned against hasty actions that could result in wrongful convictions, as seen during earlier governments.
Here are his exact words:
Mr Speaker, the Government is firmly committed to ensuring that corruption will not be tolerated, irrespective of one’s status or political connections. The Attorney General’s Office will persist in utilizing both criminal prosecution and mechanisms for recovering assets without convictions to guarantee that public funds are returned for the country’s development.
I recognize that many Ghanaians are eager to see those who have misused their positions held accountable.
Throughout history, during periods of military rule and illegitimate governments, unlawful methods were sometimes employed to seek justice against individuals deemed corrupt or untrustworthy. While this may have been perceived as prompt justice, numerous unfortunate incidents occurred.
In 1992, we decisively embraced the 1992 Constitution to ensure governance under the rule of law. On January 7, 2025, I took an oath before the citizens of Ghana to uphold the 1992 Constitution.
I might share the same level of impatience as others to witness justice take place, but thorough investigations are essential, case files need to be organized, allegations must be submitted, and the accused are entitled to a trial, which includes the right to appeal even minor legal issues to superior courts.
This procedure is vital to safeguard everyone from mistreatment or violation of rights and to make certain that only those who commit crimes against the state face punishment.
As the late President Mills wisely noted, “The mechanisms of Justice operate at a slow pace, yet they are extremely precise. “
