Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has issued a stern warning of legal action against those involved in the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative if his name or property is implicated in the committee’s findings.
His threat follows reports that one of his properties, which he has owned since 2006, was allegedly investigated under the operation. Afenyo-Markin claimed that drones were flown over his property, which borders the Police Academy, in an apparent attempt to link it to state land.
“They assumed it was state land because I share a boundary wall with the Police Academy. They thought I had illegally acquired it, but that’s not the case. And why are they flying drones over my property?” he questioned.
In an interview with JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, February 19, the Effutu MP accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using the ORAL initiative as a political tool to target their opponents rather than focusing on governance.
“Sometimes, politicians think attacking their opponents will make them more popular. The NDC has won with a four-year mandate. They should be focusing on implementing their manifesto promises, not going after me,” Afenyo-Markin said.
When asked if he would be surprised if his name or property appeared in the ORAL report, he responded firmly: “I’ll sue them. I will sue them. If I see anything that contradicts the law, I’ll sue them. I’ll sue the individuals involved. I’ll take legal action to correct the situation.”
The Operation Recover All Loots team submitted its findings to President John Mahama earlier this month, estimating that Ghana could recover over $21 billion in illegally acquired assets.
In the coming days, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine is expected to recommend the prosecution of individuals named in the ORAL report.
