Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised concerns over what could become President John Dramani Mahama’s first major scandal, barely months into his administration, following revelations of alleged backdoor deals involving top officials of the governing NDC.
In a Facebook post, Manasseh recalled his 2025 open letter to the president titled “Goldmines and Landmines.
Manasseh’s Open Letter to President Mahama”, in which he cautioned the new administration about potential pitfalls in its Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) — an anti-corruption initiative aimed at retrieving stolen state resources.
“Going after stolen wealth is a slippery path,” Manasseh warned in his letter. “Those who have stolen millions of dollars can easily cut deals with some of your officials and appointees.
“If you show signs of weakness, ORAL could become a major scandal in your administration and disarm you from embarking on serious accountability.”
His warning now seems prophetic after the NDC’s General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, revealed last week that some senior party members were secretly negotiating with corrupt officials from the previous administration.
“Many among us, despite the fact that pleas and pressure are coming that punishment has to be meted and this must be done properly, some among us are busy trying to cut deals with people who are supposed to be prosecuted,” Kwetey said.
“Some are becoming conduits through whom pressure is being brought to bear on people who are supposed to do what is right. I may not mention names, but a time will come when we may have to.”
Manasseh described the revelation as troubling and urged President Mahama to act decisively to protect his integrity and legacy.
“I only hope that with Fiifi Kwetey’s revelation, which may not be news to the president, President John Mahama will crack the whip and save his legacy. Ghana cannot afford another business as usual,” he cautioned.
The development has sparked fresh debate on whether the ORAL initiative can remain credible amid growing allegations of internal compromises.
