A member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee has defended the amidst criticism about its operations stating that those who believe the committee is acting unlawfully should take their grievances to court.
Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo speaking on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, January 15, maintained that ORAL’s activities are lawful and straightforward, focused solely on collecting data to assist the executive.
“Let me be very clear,” Domelevo said.
“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.
“Let the court tell us, ‘Oh, guys, you cannot even collect information when people bring it to you.’ If that happens, we will shut down and g,” Myjoyonline.com quoted him.
Mr Domelevo dismissed claims that the committee is overstepping its mandate or infringing on the jurisdiction of other anti-corruption agencies.
“We are not even inviting anybody,” he emphasised.
“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.”
In addressing criticisms of the committee, Daniel Domelevo attributed the backlash to fear and hypocrisy.
“The best form of defence is an attack. Anybody who thinks this may lead to them being exposed will definitely attack,” he noted.
He further highlighted a pattern of inconsistency in how similar initiatives have been perceived in the past.
“In September 2017, the senior minister Yaw Osafo Marfo announced that foreign firms had been engaged to collect data, investigate, and even help with prosecution. Back then, it was fine. But now, a simple team collecting data is a problem. That is the hypocrisy we have in this country.”
He also humorously suggested that without clear legal prohibitions, even trivial matters could be arbitrarily declared unlawful.
“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,’” he remarked, underscoring the importance of clarity in legal matters.
Mr Domelevo reiterated that ORAL’s work is entirely voluntary and aimed at supporting the executive in making informed decisions about corruption-related cases.
“We collect data and hand it over to the president. The president may then decide to refer it to the appropriate body—be it EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor. That’s all we do,” he explained.
In a firm yet composed tone, he encouraged critics to channel their concerns through appropriate legal avenues instead of resorting to baseless accusations.
“If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing—lawfully and transparently,” he concluded.
