CPP supports ORAL, expects recovery of loots to date back to 1966

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has thrown its full support behind the Operation Recovery of Assets and Loot (ORAL) initiative, calling for a comprehensive recovery of state assets misappropriated since 1966.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, the CPP condemned the misuse of public office and called for the reclamation of all state properties sold or allocated improperly.

The CPP described ORAL as a patriotic initiative, asserting that only those who have looted state resources or lack national loyalty would oppose it. Acquah expressed frustration at the historical misuse of state enterprises and institutions by individuals who were entrusted with their management.

“Nobody can say that the ORAL is a bad initiative unless they are unpatriotic or have looted the state themselves.

It is absurd and annoying that people who were employed by the state ended up selling the very State enterprises, institutions and other properties to themselves and their cronies,” portions of the statement noted.

The party outlined its expectations for the ORAL initiative, emphasising that the recovery effort must include all assets, from state vehicles sold to politicians and civil servants to state lands used for illegal activities such as galamsey and called for perpetrators of such acts to be surcharged accordingly.

“All lands vested under the care of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, which have been misused for illegal activities, must be recovered,” the statement declared.

The CPP highlighted 1966 as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history, marking the beginning of widespread impunity following the coup that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, arguing that this event enabled military and government officials to allocate state assets to themselves at low prices, a trend the party believes must be reversed.

“As Nkrumaists, we demand the recovery of looted state assets dating back to 1966. The coup sowed the seeds of impunity, and it is time to rectify this historical injustice.”

The CPP called for the initiative to extend beyond the capital city of Accra, emphasizing the need for a nationwide audit and reclamation of state properties.

It further criticised government appointees who abused their positions, engaging in corrupt practices while earning salaries funded by taxpayers. The CPP expressed outrage over instances where ministers and officials with inside knowledge purchased state properties for personal gain.

“In any serious country, a minister with firsthand knowledge of state asset sales should not be allowed to benefit from those transactions,” the party argued.

The CPP reiterated its commitment to supporting the recovery of every looted asset and ensuring accountability for those who betrayed public trust.