Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says Ghanaians should expect prosecutions in corruption-related cases within a year or more as the government takes time to follow due process and build airtight cases.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 11, during discussions on the topic “ORAL: Legal Delay or Deal-Cutting Sabotage?”, Mr Kotoko explained that the government is determined to ensure justice is served without loopholes that could undermine prosecutions.

“Government is being meticulous to make sure that due process is followed and that you get watertight evidence so that when prosecution begins, it can be unturnable. You don’t want a situation where someone can punch holes here and there,” he said.

He noted that while defendants may mount legal defences, prosecutors must ensure their cases are grounded on indisputable facts.

“We understand the judicial processes — no matter how tight you have prepared your docket, somebody may also have a certain defence anyway. But you will want to make sure you have your facts very right,” he added.

Mr Kotoko explained that the Office of the Report on Alleged Looting (ORAL), which investigated several corruption cases, has no prosecutorial powers and has therefore submitted its findings to the Attorney-General for further action.

“ORAL, as we all know, didn’t have any prosecutorial or judicial powers. They have now submitted their findings to the Attorney-General, who will now take on that mantle of doing the needful,” he said.

He revealed that the Attorney-General’s office is currently reviewing about 2,400 pieces of evidence submitted by ORAL to determine which cases to prioritise for prosecution.

“When that document was handed to the President and transmitted to the Attorney-General, it contained about 2,400 pieces of evidence. This is raw data now being transmitted, and you trust that in a year or more, there will be prosecutions,” he assured.

Mr Kotoko acknowledged growing public pressure for swift accountability, stressing that while citizens are eager to see justice served, due diligence must not be sacrificed for speed.

“Yes, Ghanaians out there are making it very clear. One of the major things of concern to us is to see people behind bars — the very people who plundered this nation, who caused us this pain and anguish. We want to see them behind bars. Yes, that is the wish, but we must make sure we follow due process and due diligence to ensure that when that is done, it will be unturnable,” he emphasised.

He further noted that President John Dramani Mahama shares the public’s concern and remains committed to recovering all stolen state funds.

“President Mahama has admonished that he feels the concern of Ghanaians. We have made it clear that we will recover all loot. We have now realised that if these things go through, approximately GH¢21 billion will be recovered. How are we going to do that? That is the process being gone through,” Mr Kotoko explained.

He urged the public to remain patient as the government works through the legal and investigative processes to ensure credible and lasting outcomes.

“A little bit of patience will work,” he said.