Manasseh Azure: “Witch-hunting is justified if the accused are guilty of corruption”
Prominent Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has expressed strong support for the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, amidst mounting criticism.
ORAL is a program launched to retrieve misappropriated state funds and assets from public officials, adhering to legal procedures. It was one of the key campaign promises made by President John Dramani Mahama during his bid for the presidency. Following his electoral victory, President Mahama set up a preparatory committee for the initiative, headed by North Tongu MP and Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Despite its objectives, ORAL has drawn significant backlash, especially from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have labeled it unconstitutional and accused it of being a politically motivated “witch-hunt.”
In response to these criticisms, Manasseh Azure Awuni penned an open letter to President Mahama on Thursday, January 23. In the letter, he defended the initiative and emphasized its importance in addressing corruption. He dismissed allegations of witch-hunting, arguing that pursuing corrupt officials is justifiable if they are genuinely culpable.
“There is no issue with witch-hunting if the so-called witches are indeed guilty of wrongdoing,” Manasseh stated.
He urged the President to address any legal ambiguities surrounding ORAL and equip the Minister of Justice and Attorney General with the necessary authority to prosecute those responsible for looting public resources.
Manasseh also underscored the need for impartiality, cautioning President Mahama against showing leniency. He warned that a lack of resolve could undermine the initiative’s credibility and turn it into a liability for his administration.
“ORAL should be applied across the board, including members of your own government,” he advised.
Concluding his message, Manasseh reiterated his belief in ORAL as a vital tool for accountability and urged the President to ensure its successful implementation.
