Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has issued a staunch defense of the committee's operations following public criticism alleging illegal activities. He challenged those with reservations to seek legal recourse.
In an interview on JoyNews Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Mr. Domelevo emphatically stated that the committee's data collection efforts are entirely lawful and straightforward. He dismissed accusations of illegality, asserting, “Let me be very clear, we are working and being told we are operating illegally. The courts are not closed. They are still there. So, if anyone thinks we are unlawful, they should go to court.” He further clarified that the committee's mandate is solely focused on data collection to assist the executive branch, not on independent investigations or prosecutions.
Mr. Domelevo refuted claims that ORAL is overstepping its mandate by encroaching on the jurisdiction of other anti-corruption agencies. He explained that the committee's information gathering is entirely based on public submissions, stating, “We are not even inviting anybody. The publication went out from the office of the then president-elect, saying that if you have information, bring it to us via the provided hotlines, website, or email. That’s all we are using. The issue of inviting anyone does not even arise.” Collected data, he clarified, is then passed to the President, who decides whether to refer it to agencies like EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He attributed the criticism to fear and hypocrisy, suggesting that those whose actions might be exposed by the committee are the ones launching the attacks. “The best form of defence is an attack. Anybody who thinks this may lead to them being exposed will definitely attack,” he noted. He highlighted the inconsistency of the public's response, pointing out that similar data collection initiatives in the past, such as one announced by Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo in September 2017, faced no such backlash. He humorously added, “Until something is prohibited by law, it’s lawful. Otherwise, one day you will say, ‘Daniel, you are being unlawful by wearing a smock into the studio.’”
Mr. Domelevo emphasized that ORAL's work is entirely voluntary and aims to support the executive in making informed decisions on corruption-related matters. He urged those with concerns to utilize proper legal channels instead of making unfounded accusations. He concluded, “If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing—lawfully and transparently.”
