200 Corruption Cases Probed, 80 Interrogated
By Gifty Boateng
President John Dramani Mahama has declared his administration’s unwavering commitment to the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) campaign. Speaking at his first media encounter at the Jubilee House, the President assured the nation that despite public concerns about delays, there would be no let-up in the fight against corruption.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction; it is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process, and fairness in the pursuit of justice,” Mahama said. “Our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief, but it will not grant them a permanent escape.”
200 Cases on the Docket
Mahama revealed that anti-graft bodies are actively investigating a staggering 200 cases of alleged corruption from the previous administration. So far, 80 individuals have been interrogated, with several prosecutions already underway and progressing steadily.
The President listed several high-profile scandals under active investigation, including:
- The stalled National Cathedral project, which has seen its cost balloon to over $90 million.
- The GHS49 million case involving Kwabena Adu-Boahene.
- The botched Sky Train project.
- The Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining case.
- The National Service ghost names scandal.
- The Buffer Stock Company and Africa Games scandals.
He confirmed that while an initial audit report on the National Cathedral and other cases had been received, the government has tasked the Auditor General with further investigations to ensure every detail is scrutinized.
Education, Gas Plant, and More
Beyond corruption, President Mahama also addressed key national issues. He highlighted a record budget allocation to the education sector, confirming the government’s decision to not only maintain the Free Senior High School policy but to also improve it with a GHS3.5 billion budget. He also mentioned the distribution of 6 million sanitary pads and new scholarship programs for PhD students.
The President also confirmed plans to build a second Gas Processing Plant, signaling a major step in the country’s energy sector.