Livestream: Newsfile discusses Constitution evaluation record and AG’s ORAL power – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefDecember 27, 20254 Mins read78
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Livestream: Newsfile Analyzes Ghana’s Constitution Review and the AG’s ORAL Mandate
Life Pulse Daily – In a pivotal episode of the weekend current affairs program Newsfile, host Samson Lardy Anyenini and a panel of experts delved into two of the most consequential developments in Ghana’s current governance landscape: the submission of the Constitution Review Committee’s (CRC) final report and the operational updates regarding the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative led by the Attorney-General.
This comprehensive analysis explores the intersection of constitutional reform and anti-corruption enforcement, providing a clear breakdown of what these events mean for the Ghanaian democratic process.
Introduction
On Monday, December 22, 2025, Ghana marked a significant milestone in its democratic journey. The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) officially submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama. Simultaneously, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, provided critical updates on the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) campaign. The Newsfile program served as the primary forum for analyzing these developments, offering the public an in-depth look at proposed structural changes to the state and the legal pursuit of alleged financial malfeasance.
This article breaks down the key discussions from the program, offering an educational resource on the proposed constitutional amendments and the specific legal cases falling under the ORAL umbrella.
Key Points
- Constitutional Separation of Powers: A major recommendation to strictly separate the legislature from the executive branch.
- Presidential Term Limits: The reaffirmation that the constitution contains no provision for a third term, alongside a proposal to extend the standard term length.
- Anti-Corruption Enforcement: Specific high-profile investigations under the ORAL initiative targeting alleged state losses.
- Legal Accountability: The Attorney-General’s assertion of the “ORAL power” to pursue both civil and criminal recoveries of state assets.
Background
To understand the weight of the recent announcements, one must look at the historical context of Ghana’s constitutional review process. The 1992 Constitution has been the bedrock of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, but calls for its amendment have grown over the years.
The Constitution Review Committee was established to gather public input and propose amendments to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions. The submission of the final report to President Mahama on December 22 represents the culmination of years of research and public consultation.
The Mandate of the CRC
The CRC’s primary goal was to identify gaps in the 1992 Constitution and recommend changes that would enhance governance, protect human rights, and improve the efficiency of the state. The report submitted to the President is not merely a document but a roadmap for the potential restructuring of the Ghanaian state.
The Genesis of ORAL
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is a government initiative designed to combat corruption, misappropriation, and the dissipation of state property. It represents a shift toward aggressive asset recovery, utilizing both legal and civil procedures to return stolen or misused public funds to the state treasury.
Analysis
The Newsfile panel provided a rigorous analysis of how the CRC’s recommendations could reshape Ghana’s political landscape and how the ORAL initiative tests the state’s ability to enforce the law.
Constitutional Reform: Structural Changes
The panel discussed the recommendation to separate the legislature from the executive. In the current Ghanaian setup, Members of Parliament (MPs) who are also appointed as Ministers of State are often seen as having a conflict of interest. Separating these powers would theoretically allow MPs to focus purely on oversight and lawmaking, while ministers focus on administration.
Another focal point was the Presidential Term. The committee recommended extending the presidential term from four years to five years. This is proposed to allow a newly elected government sufficient time to implement its development agenda before facing re-election. However, the panel emphasized that the committee firmly reaffirmed the constitutional ban on a third term, closing the door on any attempts to extend presidential tenure indefinitely.
The AG’s ORAL Power: Enforcement and Deterrence
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine’s update on ORAL signaled a new era of accountability. The “ORAL power” refers to the Attorney-General’s directive to aggressively pursue cases of state loss. The analysis suggests that this approach is not just punitive but also restorative, aiming to plug the holes in the national purse.
Practical Advice
For citizens, journalists, and legal students following these developments, understanding the implications is vital. Here is a breakdown of what to watch for:
Monitoring Constitutional Amendments
While the CRC has submitted its report, the process of amending the constitution is rigorous. It requires a referendum or a specific majority in Parliament. Citizens should:
- Follow the White Paper that the government will issue in response to the CRC report.
- Engage in public discourse regarding the five-year term versus the four-year term.
Understanding the ORAL Cases
The ORAL initiative involves complex legal battles. When reviewing cases like that of Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) or Percival Kofi Akpaloo, it is important to distinguish between allegations and convictions. The legal process involves:
- Investigation: Gathering evidence of misappropriation (e.g., alleged forged documents or unenforced projects).
- Prosecution: The state bringing charges based on the evidence.
- Recovery: Using civil procedures to reclaim funds, even if criminal convictions are difficult to secure.
FAQ
What is the Constitution Review Committee (CRC)?
The Constitution Review Committee is a body established to review the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and propose amendments to address contemporary governance challenges. They recently submitted their final report to the President.
What is Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)?
ORAL is an initiative led by the Attorney-General’s office aimed at investigating corruption and misappropriation of state resources. The goal is to recover public funds through legal and civil actions.
Is there a provision for a third presidential term in Ghana?
No. The Constitution Review Committee has reaffirmed that the 1992 Constitution does not contain any provision for a third presidential term. They have, however, proposed extending the duration of a single term from four to five years.
Who are the targets of the current ORAL investigations?
Recent updates highlight investigations involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and Wontumi Farms regarding alleged state losses of over GH¢24 million. Additionally, Percival Kofi Akpaloo and related entities are under investigation for allegedly diverting COCOBOD contract funds.
Conclusion
The recent edition of Newsfile highlighted a critical moment for Ghana. On one hand, the Constitution Review Committee is looking to the future by proposing structural changes to ensure long-term stability and democratic maturity. On the other hand, the Attorney-General’s ORAL initiative is addressing the past and present by holding individuals accountable for alleged financial crimes. Together, these developments suggest a comprehensive approach to improving Ghana’s governance: reforming the laws to prevent future abuse and enforcing the law to punish past transgressions.
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