Former Auditor-General and member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Daniel Domelevo, has boldly challenged critics who question the legality of the committee’s operations to seek legal action.
In an interview on Joy News on Wednesday, January 15, Domelevo defended ORAL’s work, stating that it is entirely lawful. He urged anyone who believes the committee’s activities are illegal to go to court, and promised that if the court ruled against their operations, the office would comply.
“Let me be very clear, we are working and being told we are operating illegally. The courts are not closed. They are still there. So, if anyone thinks we are unlawful, they should go to court. If the courts rule against our operations, the office would comply,” he stated. “Let the court tell us, ‘Oh, guys, you cannot even collect information when people bring it to you. If that happens, we will shut down and go,’” he added.
Domelevo also clarified that ORAL is not inviting anyone but merely collecting data voluntarily. “We are not even inviting anybody. The publication went out from the office of the then-president-elect, saying that if you have information, bring it to us via the provided hotlines, website, or email. That’s all we are using. The issue of inviting anyone does not even arise,” he explained.
He emphasized that the office is within legal boundaries when collecting data and sharing it with relevant authorities like the EOCO, police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He also pointed out the inconsistencies in public perception, referencing a 2017 initiative where foreign firms were contracted to collect data, assist with investigations, and support prosecution without controversy.
“In September 2017, the senior minister Yaw Osafo Marfo announced that foreign firms had been engaged to collect data, investigate, and even help with prosecution. Back then, it was fine. But now, a simple team collecting data is a problem. That is the hypocrisy we have in this country,” he noted.
Domelevo concluded by reiterating that as long as their actions are not prohibited by law, they will continue their work.
“Until something is prohibited by law, it’s lawful. Otherwise, one day you will say, ‘Daniel, you are being unlawful by wearing a smock into the studio.'”
He concluded by reiterating his position “We collect data and hand it over to the president. The president may then decide to refer it to the appropriate body be it EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor. That’s all we do. If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing lawfully and transparently.”
