The Oversight, Reform, and Accountability Legislative (O.R.A.L.) Committee, chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, has unveiled a staggering list of scandals allegedly involving public officials and state institutions. The report, which highlights significant lapses in governance, accountability, and resource management, has sparked national outrage and calls for urgent reforms.
Speaking at the committee’s presentation of findings, Hon. Ablakwah did not mince words about the gravity of the revelations. He described the scandals as a “blatant betrayal of public trust” and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
“The level of impunity and lack of oversight that these findings reveal is both staggering and deeply disheartening. We must draw a line in the sand and ensure that those who abuse public office face the full force of the law.”
Highlights of the Scandals
The report uncovered various malpractices, including:
1. Misappropriation of Public Funds: Several state institutions were found to have mismanaged funds earmarked for critical projects. In one instance, millions of dollars allocated for infrastructure development were reportedly diverted to private accounts.
2. Dubious Procurement Deals: Contracts were awarded to companies without competitive bidding, with inflated costs and questionable deliverables.
3. Ghost Workers on Government Payroll: The committee found thousands of non-existent employees drawing salaries from state coffers, costing the country millions in revenue.
4. Illegal Asset Transfers: Government-owned assets were transferred to private individuals under questionable circumstances.
Hon. Ablakwah expressed frustration over the lack of accountability mechanisms and called for immediate action:
“It is unacceptable that year after year, these practices persist with little to no repercussions. This committee is committed to ensuring that our findings do not remain just another document gathering dust on a shelf.”
The following images were highlights of some scandals stated in his presentation:
NB: List of scandals released by the O.R.A.L committee are more than 50, we could not feature all in this post.
Recommendations
The committee has proposed sweeping reforms, including enhanced auditing processes, stricter procurement regulations, and the establishment of an independent body to oversee asset transfers. Hon. Ablakwah further stressed the need for a cultural shift in governance:
“Accountability is not negotiable. The citizens of this country deserve transparency and efficiency in the management of their resources.”
The findings have been submitted to Parliament for further review and action. Civil society organizations and concerned citizens have lauded the O.R.A.L. Committee’s efforts and urged the government to act swiftly to implement the recommendations.
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Source: m.dailyadvent.com
