‘Go to court if you think we are unlawful’ – Domelevo to critics of ORAL

Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has challenged individuals with reservations about the committee’s operations to seek legal redress.

Domelevo firmly defended the committee’s activities, emphasizing that their data collection efforts, aimed at assisting the executive branch, are entirely lawful.

“Let me be very clear,” he stated during an interview on Accra-based JoyNews on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

“We are working, and we are 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. 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.“

Domelevo dismissed claims that the committee is overstepping its mandate by encroaching on the jurisdiction of other anti-graft agencies.

He clarified that their primary function involves collecting data from public sources, such as the hotline, website, and email, provided by the office of the then president-elect. This data is then submitted to the president, who may subsequently refer it to relevant agencies like the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

He attributed the criticisms to fear and hypocrisy, suggesting that those concerned about potential exposure of their actions are the ones launching the attacks. “The best form of defense is an attack,” he noted.

Domelevo highlighted the inconsistency in public criticism, pointing out that similar initiatives in the past, such as the engagement of foreign firms for data collection and investigation under the leadership of Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo in September 2017, were not met with the same level of scrutiny.

He humorously remarked, “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,'” emphasizing the importance of clear legal prohibitions.

Domelevo reiterated that ORAL’s work is entirely voluntary and focuses on supporting the executive in making informed decisions regarding corruption-related cases. He urged those with concerns to utilize appropriate legal channels instead of making unfounded accusations.

“If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing—lawfully and transparently,” he concluded.

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The post ‘Go to court if you think we are unlawful’ – Domelevo to critics of ORAL first appeared on 3News.

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