Gov’t will not interfere with judiciary to expedite ORAL prosecutions

The government has dismissed suggestions that it should interfere with the judiciary to speed up prosecutions under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, insisting that the courts must be allowed to work without executive influence.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, emphasised that while the administration remains committed to fighting corruption, it will not manipulate the judicial process for political expediency.

“Once cases are in court, the government has no control over judicial proceedings,” Kwakye Ofosu stated. “Our role is to build strong cases, gather sufficient evidence, and present it before the courts—not to dictate how judges conduct trials.”

The remarks come in response to public concerns, including comments from former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, about the pace of investigations and prosecutions under ORAL. Critics have questioned whether the government is moving quickly enough to recover what it describes as looted state assets.

Kwakye Ofosu rejected claims that the government should adopt what he characterised as the previous administration’s approach, noting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was often accused of judicial interference during its tenure.

“We will not adopt the same approach,” he stressed.

Defending the government’s record, the spokesperson revealed that investigative agencies have made significant progress since the Attorney-General assumed office in February last year. He disclosed that 27 dockets are currently being processed, with an additional 40 cases under review by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Enforcement actions have also intensified, with over 140 individuals arrested and assets valued at GH¢1.5 billion seized. Several suspects are currently facing trial, Kwakye Ofosu added.

While acknowledging long-standing concerns about delays in Ghana’s judicial system, he maintained that the executive branch cannot be held responsible for the pace of court proceedings. However, he confirmed that structural reforms are underway to address systemic inefficiencies.

The government has approved the reintroduction of the tribunal system, as provided for in the Constitution, which is expected to expedite the handling of ORAL cases and other matters that contribute to court congestion.

“While reforms are being implemented, the speed at which cases are resolved ultimately depends on the courts, not the government,” Kwakye Ofosu clarified.

The ORAL initiative, a flagship anti-corruption programme of the current administration, has been a key campaign promise aimed recovering state assets allegedly misappropriated under previous governments.