By Gifty Amofa, GNA 

Accra, Jan. 10, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Police Service for its outstanding performance in ensuring peaceful Christmas and New Year festivities across the country. 

“Let me commend the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Police Service for your commendable performance during the recent Christmas season,” the President said. 

“There were a lot of businesses and activities over the Christmas period, yet you made sure that crime was kept at a very, very low level.” 

President Mahama made the commendation at the 2025 West Africa Security Social Activity (WASSA) held at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday. 

WASSA is an end-of-year social gathering organised by the security agencies to take stock of the year’s activities, re-strategise, socialise, and celebrate with stakeholders. 

The President commended officers at all levels for their diligence during periods of heightened security demand, noting that festive seasons often came with increased travel, social activities and security risks. 

He said through careful planning, discipline and intelligence-led operations, the Police Service ensured that Ghanaians celebrated  Christmas and New Year in peace and safety. 

“Let me particularly acknowledge the IGP, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Police Management Board for the strategic deployment of personnel across our highways, communities, markets, places of worship, transport terminals and entertainment centres,” the President said. 

He noted that the visible police presence reassured the public and demonstrated a vigilant and responsive Police Service. 

President Mahama warned that criminal elements who targeted security personnel, whether to harm or kill them, would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. 

Mr Yohuno, on his part, praised President Mahama’s Administration for continuously boosting the morale of personnel through logistical support. 

Among those present at the event were former Inspectors-General of Police, Regional Police Commanders, retired police officers, members of the Police Management Board and civilians. 

Participants were entertained to performances by veteran musicians and cultural troupes, featuring both old and contemporary music. 

Notable performers included Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Kojo Antwi, Obaapa Christy, Tagoe Sisters, Piesie Esther and Akosua Agyapong. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe 

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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