President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that the government’s anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), must strictly follow constitutional procedures, insisting that all cases be handled through the courts.

ORAL was established by President Mahama to identify, investigate, and recover assets and funds obtained through corrupt practices by public officials, with the goal of restoring public resources and promoting accountability.

Speaking at a community engagement in Koforidua on May 2, 2026, the President stated that his administration is bound by law to ensure due process in dealing with individuals implicated under the initiative.

“Unlike military regimes where individuals are jailed and asked to prove their innocence, I swore to uphold the Constitution, which requires that people are tried and convicted before they are imprisoned,” he said.

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President Mahama noted that while there may be public pressure for swift action against suspected wrongdoing, the Constitution guarantees that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Left alone, some would prefer that all those indicted under ORAL are jailed immediately, but we must go by the Constitution,” he added.

He further stressed that as head of the Executive, he cannot interfere with the judicial process or compel courts to expedite cases.

“I cannot put pressure on the courts to fast-track cases. We must allow the judiciary to carry out its mandate and deliver final verdicts, whether to convict or clear those involved,” he said.

President Mahama’s remarks emphasise the government’s position on balancing accountability with adherence to the rule of law as investigations and prosecutions under ORAL continue.

VPO/SEA

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