Former Auditor General and a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Daniel Domelevo has firmly challenged critics of the committee who believe their operations are unlawful to seek legal redress in court.
Speaking on Joy News on Wednesday, January 15, Domelevo made it clear that the work being carried out by ORAL is entirely legal and that if the court rules against their operation, the office will comply after they have presented the case before the court.
“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 their operations, the office would comply. 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.
Addressing concerns about the perception of the office’s role, Domelevo explained that they were not inviting anyone but only 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 clarified.
Domelevo further explained that the office’s efforts to collect data and share it with relevant authorities such as the EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor, are within legal bounds.
He also pointed out the inconsistencies in how similar initiatives were perceived, citing a 2017 initiative where foreign firms were contracted to collect data and assist with investigations 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 continued to assert that until the law specifically prohibits their actions, they will continue with 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.”
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