Less than three months into his presidency, John Dramani Mahama’s administration appears to be taking steps to tackle corruption, according to reports from GhanaWeb.
Early in his term, the president launched an initiative called Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), aimed at investigating individuals—particularly from the previous government—suspected of acquiring wealth or state assets through improper means.
This operation has led to actions by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which has arrested and detained several individuals implicated in alleged corruption cases under the prior administration.
These arrests are part of ongoing investigations into suspected misconduct.
One of the individuals detained is Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, a former Minister of Education and the ex-Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
He was taken into custody on February 23, 2025, in Kawukudi, near Nima, Greater Accra Region, over allegations related to the failed $3 billion Accra Sky Train project.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), was also detained by the NIB on March 7, 2025.
Her detention was connected to an investigation into payroll fraud during her tenure at the NSA.
Reports indicate she returned to Ghana on March 5, 2025, after being abroad, and her lawyer stated that she had not been informed of any prior summons from the NIB before her detention.
Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, who serves as Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, was arrested on March 14, 2025, in connection with an alleged case of double identity.
He is currently assisting the NIB with their ongoing investigations.
Another individual detained is Kwaku Ohene Gyan, also known as Osonoba, a former Deputy Director in Charge of Operations at the NSA.
He was apprehended on February 22, 2025, after being followed by two pickup vehicles.
While the specific reasons for his arrest remain unclear, it is believed to be linked to the same payroll fraud investigation involving ghost names being added to the NSA payroll.
Following interrogation on February 23, 2025, he was later released.
President Mahama had previously directed the NIB to investigate the NSA after a nationwide headcount of National Service personnel uncovered discrepancies.
This audit revealed 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll.
A statement from the presidency, dated February 12, 2025, noted that the discrepancies were discovered during a review initiated by the finance minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
In response to the findings, the Finance Ministry disbursed GH¢226,019,224 to pay allowance arrears for 98,145 legitimate service personnel.