The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on assuming office on January 7 as part of his anti-corruption drive, is facing mounting credibility challenges despite its initial popularity, according to a new report by IMANI Africa.

In its assessment of the first six months of the Mahama administration, the policy think tank observed that ORAL “started popular but now faces doubts over selective justice,” a perception which it said is undermining the goodwill the government initially enjoyed. 

The report also cited mass dismissals, the private jet controversy, and broader concerns about fairness as further factors eroding public confidence.

Drawing on data from Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, newsfeeds and other digital sources, IMANI said its analysis found that early optimism surrounding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s fiscal discipline and anti-corruption stance has given way to growing scepticism. 

Governance controversies, policy contradictions and partisan tensions have reshaped the national conversation and underscored what IMANI called “the primacy of credibility in governance.”

The report warned that unless the administration matches its rhetoric with delivery, avoids contradictions, and engages youth and civil society with transparency and tangible results, initial scepticism could harden into lasting disillusionment. 

“The lesson is clear; in Ghana’s fast-moving media environment, credibility is the most valuable political currency,” IMANI concluded.