The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says members of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative are not engaged in a witch hunt or trying to demonise anyone.

Rather, they are on a mission to protect the country’s assets from those who want to acquire them illegally.

“We are not the bad guys; we are trying to protect state assets. We are the good guys, for crying out loud. The bad guys are those who are paying GH¢160,000, GH¢150,000, and GH¢10,000 for land that you couldn’t even acquire if you had a million dollars,” he said.

Speaking about the operation of ORAL and the surrounding matters on the committee's legality on JoyNews’ PM Express with Blessed Sogah on Monday, January 13, Mr Ablakwa expressed disappointment that the minority in Parliament continues to criticise ORAL.

“I am surprised that the Minority Leader and his committee in Parliament, instead of supporting this ORAL agenda—which every Ghanaian, every well-meaning Ghanaian supports—spent their time during the vetting today trying to discredit ORAL, demonise ORAL, and make it seem as if we are on a witch hunt and just want to foment trouble,” he added.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which exited power a week ago, has raised concerns that ORAL has no legal basis to conduct such an operation.

Meanwhile, the committee has received numerous suspected cases, which are currently under investigation. The findings will be presented to the Attorney General for possible legal action and prosecution.