ORAL Committee Sparks Controversy: Abena Osei-Asare Slams It as ‘Unlawful and Unconstitutional
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Abena Osei-Asare, the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, has criticized President-elect John Mahama’s establishment of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, labeling it as unlawful and unconstitutional.
During a thank-you tour in her constituency in the Eastern Region, Osei-Asare questioned the necessity of the five-member committee, chaired by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. She emphasized that existing state agencies are already mandated to handle corruption-related issues, rendering the creation of a parallel committee unnecessary. She further expressed concerns about the enforceability of the committee’s findings, given its lack of legal backing.
Osei-Asare urged the incoming government to avoid hastily pursuing actions that are not grounded in constitutional principles. Reflecting on the 2024 election outcomes, she acknowledged the electorate’s decision to vote against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) but expressed confidence in the party’s ability to recover and return stronger in the future.
The ORAL Committee has been a topic of debate, with some opposition members supporting its establishment. Former Obuasi East NPP MP Edward Ennin has expressed readiness to provide evidence of looted assets, while former NPP General Secretary Nana Obiri Boahen has commended the initiative.
Abena Osei-Asare, a banker and chartered accountant, has served as a Member of Parliament since January 7, 2013, representing the people of Atiwa East.