The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee has clarified its role in addressing state property disputes, emphasizing that its mandate focuses on validation, not investigation.
Daniel Yao Domelevo, a member of the committee and former Auditor General, made this distinction during an interview on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, January 15.
According to him, the team’s primary mission is to verify claims related to state land and property issues, ensuring the accuracy of reports submitted to President John Mahama.
“What we are doing is essentially a validation mission,” Domelevo explained. “We cannot just sit in our offices, hear claims like those from the Lomotey/Adotey family about their demolished property, and include them in our report without verifying. The presidency might question our findings if there’s no evidence on the ground.”
The clarification follows the committee’s recent visit to North Labone, where the Lomotey/Adotey family’s property was illegally demolished in 2024. A family representative shared their ordeal, recounting the traumatic loss of their home, valuable possessions, and the ongoing financial burden of private security to protect the site.
Despite a Lands Commission letter acknowledging that the land was mistakenly allocated to a politically connected group responsible for the demolition, the family has yet to receive compensation or adequate security assurances.
Domelevo underscored the difference between validation and investigation. “Validation is simply confirming what exists on the ground,” he stated. “If this were an investigation, we would call all parties, ask questions, and seek answers. For now, we are gathering data to ensure accuracy in our reports.”
He also dismissed assumptions that the ORAL Committee was accusing individuals of wrongdoing. “Before establishing any guilt, there must be an investigation. My background as an auditor reminds me that preliminary findings often change when rebutted with evidence. Our job is not to accuse but to verify.”
Domelevo further clarified that the ORAL Committee’s efforts should not be confused with the investigative actions of other agencies, such as national security. “People often confuse our role with that of national security,” he noted. “When they move in, they might take actions that go beyond validation, but we have no control over their operations.”
The committee assured the Lomotey/Adotey family that their situation would be highlighted in a comprehensive report to President Mahama. This report aims to advocate for justice and draw attention to their plight, while also promoting systemic reforms in handling state land and property disputes.
Domelevo’s remarks underscore the ORAL Committee’s commitment to factual reporting and laying the foundation for potential future investigations, as Ghana continues to grapple with land disputes and property controversies.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
