Renowned former Auditor-General and newly appointed member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has clarified misconceptions about the handling of corruption cases in Ghana.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Wednesday, Domelevo stated that the fight against corruption requires a multi-institutional approach, with no single body having a monopoly over the process.

Mr Domelevo revealed his decision to join the ORAL Team stemmed from his longstanding commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability.

“All these years, I have been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, crusading for looted monies to be returned and for people to be held accountable.

"So if the opportunity comes to do some preparatory work and I am invited, I don’t see why I should not be involved,” he said.

He expressed his confidence in the ORAL Team’s mission to recover misappropriated public funds and investigate corruption reports submitted by the public.

“As the Chairperson, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, put it, we are talking about the bleeding of the public purse, and we may have to take action quickly,” he stated.

Mr Domelevo addressed a common misconception that all corruption-related cases fall exclusively under the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

“It is not true that all corruption or abuses of public funds reside with the Special Prosecutor,” he asserted.

“Some issues may be within the domain of the Auditor-General, others might belong to EOCO, CHRAJ, or even other agencies.”

He stressed the importance of classifying cases to ensure effective investigation and resolution.

“It is necessary that we gather this information and break it into pieces. We need to say, ‘Look, these cases are good for the Special Prosecutor, these for the Auditor-General, and these for CHRAJ or EOCO.’”

Mr Domelevo highlighted the significance of data collection and analysis in the anti-corruption crusade, noting the challenges that come with it.

“Gathering data and making sense of it is not an easy job—it’s time-consuming,” he noted.

“This period, before the President-elect takes office, is crucial.

"He cannot direct investigations or prosecutions yet, but he can collect data to be ready when the time comes.”

Mr Domelevo added that the ORAL Team’s work would streamline the transition into actionable investigations once the incoming administration is in office.

The former Auditor-General stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, emphasizing that some cases would require forensic auditing rather than criminal prosecution.

“Some allegations may not need to go to the Special Prosecutor but require auditing. That’s why having different agencies, each with its mandate, is critical in addressing corruption comprehensively,” he explained.

Mr Domelevo expressed optimism about the ORAL Team’s ability to recover stolen funds and restore public confidence in governance.

“This is not just about uncovering corruption; it’s about ensuring accountability and sending a clear message that the era of impunity is over,” he said.

“The public needs to know that no matter the institution involved, there will be consequences for misconduct.”