A member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Daniel Domelevo, has clarified that the committee has no intention of inviting anyone for interrogation, contrary to public misconceptions.

Speaking on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, January 15, he stressed that ORAL’s sole mandate is to collect data, not to investigate or prosecute individuals.

“Let me make it clear: we are not inviting anybody, and we have no intention of inviting anybody,” Domelevo emphasised.

The former Auditor General explained that the committee’s formation was publicly announced, and citizens were encouraged to voluntarily submit information.

“The publication went out from the office of the then president-elect, inviting people with information to bring it to this team via hotlines, a website, or email. That is all we are using. We have not even invited anyone,” he said.

Daniel Domelevo criticised the backlash against ORAL, attributing it to individuals who fear potential exposure.

“The best form of defence is an attack. Anybody who thinks this may lead to him or her being exposed will definitely attack,” he noted.

He further described the resistance as indicative of Ghana’s double standards.

“In 2017, the senior minister Yaw Osafo Marfo announced that foreign firms were being engaged to assist the government with not only data collection but also investigations and prosecutions.

"Back then, nobody had a problem. But now, this team, which is just collecting data, is suddenly an issue. That is the hypocrisy we have in our country,” he said, calling the situation “disturbing and nauseating.”

Mr Domelevo revealed that some individuals had even attempted to obstruct the committee’s work.

“I had a call from someone telling me that if the committee calls them, they should not respond. But how can they say that when we are not inviting anybody?” he questioned.

When asked about the legality of the committee’s operations, Mr Domelevo stood firm, stating that unless the courts or legislation explicitly prohibit their activities, they remain lawful.

“The courts are not closed. If anyone believes we are operating illegally, they should go to court. If the court tells us that we cannot even collect information voluntarily submitted to us, we will shut down. But until then, we will continue our work,” he declared.

Daniel Domelevo likened the criticism to trivial accusations, humorously drawing an analogy.

“One day, someone might tell me it’s unlawful to wear a smock into the studio. Until there is a law or a judicial precedent against it, it remains lawful,” he remarked.

The former Auditor General reaffirmed his commitment to ORAL’s mission and dismissed allegations of overstepping.

“This is not about interrogations or investigations. We are simply collecting data for the executive to decide what actions to take. If this scares people, it only shows how much we need this work,” he said.