Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged Ghanaians to acknowledge the significance of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative in strengthening democratic governance.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM's Top Story on Wednesday, January 15, Mr Kpebu noted that disregarding ORAL's mandate would not benefit the nation.

“It doesn’t help us as a nation to disregard ORAL’s mandate. We are building a democracy together, and part of that process involves asking tough questions and holding each other accountable,” he said.

His comment comes after the Minority in Parliament called on former government officials to boycott any engagements with the ORAL team.

According to the Suame MP, John Darko, operations of ORAL are unconstitutional and a violation of Ghana’s legal framework.

At a press conference, he argued that ORAL’s activities overlap with and undermine the functions of established institutions like the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

For this reason, he believes that "no serious country will entertain anything such as this."

“Our advice to outgone government officials is clear: boycott any invitation from this so-called ORAL team. We refuse to participate in or recognise its activities because constitutionally established institutions already exist to investigate any alleged misdeeds,” Mr Darko declared.

Addressing the progress of ORAL, Mr Kpebu clarified that the initiative is still in its initial phase which is focused on collecting evidence and laying the groundwork, adding that subsequent stages will involve direct collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enforce the law.

While defending ORAL’s purpose, Kpebu acknowledged the concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament but stressed the importance of constructive dialogue.

“Let the Minority ask their questions; it’s part of what strengthens our democracy. Criticism, when constructive, ensures better accountability and transparency,” he said.

Mr Kpebu therefore encouraged all stakeholders to engage with ORAL’s mandate positively and constructively, emphasizing its potential to recover stolen assets and strengthen the nation’s democratic foundations.

“This is not the time to shut down questions or dismiss efforts. Instead, we must work together to make these initiatives effective for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” he added.