In a surprising turn of events, some outgoing public officials in Ghana have suddenly begun implementing President Mahama’s Operation-Recover-All-Loot, (ORAL), a program aimed at recovering funds looted from the state. This development comes ahead of the new administration’s inauguration on January 7, 2025.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Head of the ORAL, team, the management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has been instructed to recover outstanding debts from several companies, including Frontiers, CIP, Heaven Builders, and those involved in the questionable Car Park deals. This move is seen as a last-minute effort to recover looted funds before the new administration takes over.
One such company, MacDan Shipping Company, recently received a demand letter from GACL for outstanding debts. Although MacDan attempted to settle part of the debt with a cheque of Two Million Ghana Cedis (GHC2,000,000.00), GACL deemed the amount inadequate, constituting less than 5% of the total debt owed. The company has been instructed to take immediate action to settle the outstanding debt to avoid further action.
This development is seen as a positive step towards recovering looted funds and promoting transparency in Ghana’s public sector. As the new administration prepares to take office, it remains to be seen whether this momentum will continue and lead to meaningful reforms.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
