Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni says the newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team could become a major scandal in President John Mahama Mahama’s administration
In a Facebook post on January 23, 2025, Manasseh cautioned the government on how ORAL is operates in their bid to combat corruption.
“ORAL: Going after stolen wealth is a slippery path. The Akufo-Addo administration attempted to recover loot, but it resulted in a scandal when the government, led by Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, hired Kroll Associates to audit transactions. Your ORAL team and the government ought to be above board.
“Those who have stolen millions of dollars can easily cut deals with some of your officials and appointees. If you show signs of weakness, ORAL could become a major scandal in your administration and disarm you from embarking on serious accountability. ORAL should apply to members of your own administration.”
He detailed specific scandals he had previously uncovered, including the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) contract awarded to Zoomlion, which he described as “the most outrageous” among politically connected deals.
Manasseh highlighted that the YEA contract allocated GHS 850 per sweeper per month, yet only GHS 250 reached the sweepers, leaving GHS 600 as management fees for Zoomlion. “No member of your administration will try to resurrect this unconscionable deal unless that person is a thief and a heartless criminal,” he wrote, emphasizing his readiness to assist the ORAL team in prosecuting and recovering stolen funds.
The Facebook post, titled Goldmines and Landmines: Manasseh’s Open Letter to President Mahama, also outlined strategies and potential pitfalls for the new administration. While congratulating President Mahama on his return to office, Manasseh urged him to prioritize accountability, institutional reform, and strong governance to reset Ghana’s development trajectory.
Manasseh’s letter also addressed concerns over threats to media and civil society freedoms from some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). He called on President Mahama to maintain his record of tolerance and ensure that dissenting voices remain protected under his administration.
Beyond endorsing ORAL, Manasseh identified key focus areas for the government, including decentralization, addressing illegal mining (galamsey), combating corruption, and prioritizing reforms over populist promises. He emphasized that genuine efforts to reset Ghana would leave a lasting legacy, even in the face of an inherited economic crisis.
Known for his fearless journalism, Manasseh detailed the personal sacrifices he made under the previous Akufo-Addo administration to hold power accountable, including going into exile twice and enduring significant mental health challenges. He rejected claims that he was silent during that period, listing impactful investigations that exposed corruption and resulted in policy changes.
Manasseh’s commitment to supporting the ORAL team reflects his broader advocacy for justice and good governance in Ghana. As the Mahama administration begins its second tenure, the journalist’s open letter serves as both an endorsement of accountability measures and a cautionary roadmap to avoid pitfalls that could undermine the president’s legacy.
The letter ends with a poignant reminder: “If you’re honest in your commitment to resetting Ghana, your effort shall be remembered and appreciated.”
