You will see more ORAL cases in court this year – Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has indicated that Ghana’s anti-corruption drive under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative is expected to intensify in 2026, with a noticeable rise in the number of cases being prosecuted in court.

Speaking on Key Points on TV3 on January 3, which was followed keenly by Today.com.gh, Kpebu said the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, is poised to push more ORAL-related cases through the judicial process as investigations reach advanced stages. He explained that the coming months will make the impact of the initiative clearer to the public.

“ORAL is going to do far better; there are going to be more cases sent to court. This year you will see more cases heading to court,” Kpebu stated.

His remarks follow earlier assurances by the Attorney-General that investigations being handled by the ORAL team are progressing steadily. Dr Ayine has consistently maintained that the initiative is focused on gathering credible evidence that can stand up to scrutiny in court rather than rushing prosecutions.

During the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 22, Dr Ayine cautioned state institutions against delaying the release of information required for corruption-related investigations. He stressed that any public institution that fails to cooperate fully could be considered complicit in wrongdoing.

“The ORAL investigation is going on well. 2026 is going to be a different year. If I make demands on you [state institutions] and you delay, I will take the view that you are complicit,” the Attorney-General warned.

He further urged all public agencies with relevant records or documentation to submit them promptly, explaining that delays undermine efforts to build strong cases and ensure accountability.

As part of his briefing, Dr Ayine outlined details of investigations into two alleged corruption cases involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and businessman Percival Kofi Akpaloo.

According to the Attorney-General, Wontumi Farms Limited applied for a GH¢18 million loan from Exim Bank in December 2017, claiming the funds would be used to cultivate maize on 100,000 acres of land and provide employment for young people. Investigations, however, revealed that the company was not legally registered at the time the loan application and accompanying documents were submitted.

Dr Ayine explained that although the company was incorporated on December 14, 2017, some documents presented to the bank, including a purported board resolution, predated its legal existence. He also disclosed irregularities relating to documents submitted as proof of equipment purchases, which investigators believe were altered.

“The only document issued was an invoice and not a receipt. The invoice was later altered and presented as proof of payment,” Dr Ayine revealed.

Martin Kpebu noted that disclosures such as these demonstrate the depth of work being done under ORAL, adding that sustained legal action will be essential in reinforcing the credibility of the anti-corruption process and ensuring that cases are tested before the courts.