Parliament’s debate on the State of the Nation Address opened with intense exchanges as the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, defended the government’s anti-corruption drive and clarified details surrounding asset recoveries under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
Addressing the House, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that assets worth GHS1.5 billion have so far been frozen as investigations continue under the ORAL initiative. However, he explained that the full recovery of funds would depend on the successful prosecution and conviction of individuals implicated in the cases.
He stressed that asset freezes form part of the legal process to prevent dissipation of suspected proceeds of crime while investigations are ongoing.
The Minister also refuted claims that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had recovered GHS600 million specifically through ORAL. According to him, the figure being cited relates to general recoveries of stolen public funds and should not be attributed solely to the ORAL programme.
His remarks set the tone for a heated debate, with members of both the Minority and Majority sides sharply divided over the government’s performance across key sectors.
On the Minority side, lawmakers raised concerns about the cocoa sector crisis and recent security challenges. Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, questioned the government’s preparedness in addressing emerging security threats. Similarly, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Kwabre East representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), criticised the administration’s economic management and sectoral performance.
In response, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, defended the government’s fiscal measures, maintaining that ongoing reforms would stabilise the economy and rebuild investor confidence. He argued that the administration remains committed to prudent financial management and structural adjustments aimed at long-term growth.
Meanwhile, Kofi Benteh Afful, National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Sefwi Wiawso, commended the government’s efforts to strengthen public accountability and intensify the fight against corruption through initiatives such as ORAL.
The debate is expected to continue in the coming days as Members of Parliament further interrogate government policies and assess progress in critical sectors including security, agriculture, and economic recovery.
