The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that assets valued at GH¢1.5 billion have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
He explained that although substantial progress has been made in tracing and securing suspected illicit assets, a significant portion of the funds cannot be permanently recovered until the individuals implicated are successfully prosecuted and convicted by the courts.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu made the remarks while contributing to the debate on the State of the Nation Address delivered by John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, March 3.
Clarification on GH¢600 Million Claims
The Minister dismissed claims that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had recovered only GH¢600 million under the ORAL initiative.
According to him, the GH¢600 million figure being cited relates to recoveries made by EOCO through its routine anti-corruption and financial crime operations, and not funds specifically retrieved under ORAL.
He stressed that the figures being circulated in some quarters misrepresent the scope and impact of the ORAL programme.
About Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is a flagship anti-corruption initiative launched by the Mahama administration. The programme is aimed at tracing, freezing and recovering state assets allegedly lost through corruption, financial mismanagement and illicit enrichment.
The initiative involves collaboration between EOCO and other state investigative bodies to identify suspicious transactions, secure assets, and pursue legal action where necessary.
Since its rollout, ORAL has become a central pillar of the government’s accountability agenda. Officials maintain that asset recovery processes require strict adherence to due legal procedures, including investigations, prosecutions and court orders before final forfeiture to the state can occur.
Commitment to Due Process
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that the government remains committed to pursuing all cases to their logical conclusion to ensure that misappropriated public funds are fully recovered in accordance with the law.
He emphasized that while asset freezing is a critical first step in safeguarding public resources, permanent recovery depends on successful prosecution and judicial determination.
The Minister assured Ghanaians that the administration would continue to work within the legal framework to secure and return any looted state assets to the public purse.
