The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has assured Ghanaians that government will soon begin to recover funds through the work of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), as investigations into financial irregularities intensify.
Speaking on the matter, Dr Ayine said although he cannot state with mathematical certainty that the full projected amount of US$21 billion will be recovered, significant progress is being made through extensive collaboration with both local and international partners.
He explained that key state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), are supporting the effort on the domestic front. In addition, a specialised investigations team reporting directly to the Attorney-General has been established to handle sensitive cases.
According to Dr Ayine, the team is made up of highly experienced investigators working discreetly to trace assets and financial losses, and their work is already yielding results. He indicated that funds will soon start flowing back into the public purse as cases mature.
Citing the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) as an example, Dr Ayine disclosed that investigations conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have confirmed that GH¢22 million in taxes was evaded in relation to the transaction.
He explained that while his office initially estimated the evasion at GH¢38.7 million, it sought formal verification from the GRA in July last year, given that only the revenue authority has the mandate to determine tax liabilities. Last week, the GRA confirmed the GH¢22 million figure.
Dr Ayine further disclosed that the company had acknowledged in writing that certain items were warehoused after being cleared as tax-exempt, despite not qualifying for such exemptions. He emphasised that this admission does not absolve the firm, noting that importing goods without paying the required duties constitutes tax evasion.
The Attorney-General also disclosed that an alleged US$2 million overpayment connected to the DRIP contract has been identified and will be pursued in addition to the confirmed GH¢22 million tax evasion. He dismissed claims that the overpayment resulted from a clerical error, insisting that the matter is substantive and will be followed through.
Dr Ayine reiterated government’s commitment to accountability and asset recovery, assuring the public that ongoing investigations under ORAL will lead to tangible financial recoveries for the state.
Meanwhile, former Auditor-General and member of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) team, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has emphasised the need to sustain momentum on the government’s anti-corruption initiative to maintain public trust.
“ORAL was a big plan that was used for the 2024 election and we must keep it hot such that the public will not lose confidence over what we are doing,” he said on Channel one TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
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