Nana Otu Darko, a Ghanaian journalist and aspiring Deputy National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has observed that citizens are becoming increasingly restless regarding the perceived slow progress of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Darko argued that while ORAL was a cornerstone of the current government’s campaign promises, the pace of legal proceedings has been disappointing.
He emphasised that the government must deal ruthlessly with those who have misappropriated state resources.
To remedy the delays, Mr Darko advised the government to invest in fast-track courts.
He suggested these specialised courts are essential to expeditiously handle corruption cases involving former appointees and scandals that resulted in significant financial loss for the state.
Drawing a historical parallel, he noted that when former President John Agyekum Kufuor took office, he established fast-track courts specifically to prosecute former NDC officials. Darko warned that infrastructural and economic gains might be overshadowed if the public does not see accountability for stolen resources.
On the political stakes of ORAL, Darko stated, “I am saying this as somebody who loves President John Dramani Mahama; I am saying this as somebody who loves the NDC; and finally, I am saying this as somebody who loves Ghana. The NDC can build the roads; we can build all the hospitals and achieve other gains, but if we fail to prosecute and jail the thieves who stole from us, Ghanaians will not remember any of our achievements.”
Regarding the expectations of the youth, he added, “When we go to the grassroots, the young people keep reminding us about ORAL. A lot of them tell us they voted for the NDC because of ORAL, and so we cannot fail the people. We need to establish fast-track courts. When former President John Agyekum Kufuor took over and wanted to jail people, he established the fast-track courts. It was because of the fast-track courts that Victor Selormey died in prison. It was the reason why several other former appointees were arrested.”
He made a direct plea to the presidency, declaring that “If we fail to do this, then I am sorry, Mr President—we can do everything we promised Ghanaians, but if we don’t jail the thieves, Ghanaians will not forgive us. What is stopping us from establishing these specialised courts to deal with these thieves? Until we do that, Ghanaians will not see the good things we are doing.”
Nana Otu Darko further cited specific examples, such as Chairman Wontumi’s ambition to contest as National Chairman of the NPP despite unresolved allegations.
He questioned how individuals accused of failing to execute projects funded by Exim Bank loans—such as cocoa roads and agricultural initiatives—could still have the “temerity” to seek political office.
He concluded by reiterating that without specialised courts, high-profile cases involving figures like Wontumi and Gifty Oware will continue to linger, undermining public trust.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
