Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has described the work of the Oversight, Retrieval, and Assets Liaison (ORAL) Committee, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as “dead ab initio” and a “political joke.”
This comes amid ongoing debates surrounding the committee’s efforts to recover state lands and assets. Annoh-Dompreh, in a strong-worded rebuttal, stated, “Your ORAL is significantly funny and a joke; we are a democracy, and needless to point this to you, Hon. We are governed by law and order (due process).
This is simply your jaundiced mind imagining… Dead ab initio! It’s a political joke. You and your team should wake up.”
His comment followed Ablakwa’s recent update on X about ORAL’s progress. Ablakwa outlined several actions taken by the committee, including: Inviting National Security to take over state lands at the Dubois Centre, Agricultural Mechanization Lands, and the Northern Development Authority (NDA).
Offering assurances to address issues concerning the Bulgarian Embassy Lands.
Confirming the suspension of works initiated by a former appointee, Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah, at an undisclosed site.
These updates, shared under the tagline “Keep trusting in ORAL,” aim to reassure the public about the committee’s commitment to asset recovery.
The feud between Ablakwa and Annoh-Dompreh was further fueled by revelations about state land acquisitions.
Ablakwa alleged that Nana Attobrah Quaicoe, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), acquired prime land in Cantonments for GH¢160,715—far below its market value.
Leaked documents from the Lands Commission confirmed the lease of Plot No. 8, a 0.24-acre prime property in Cantonments.
The lease, signed in 2021, names the President of the Republic as the lessor and Quaicoe as the lessee. The land was leased for 99 years at an annual ground rent of GH¢6,720, subject to periodic review.
Martin Kpebu, a legal practitioner, added another dimension to the controversy. He claimed on TV3 that Quaicoe agreed to return the land to the state after ORAL’s advocacy efforts. Kpebu suggested this decision was motivated by a desire to avoid legal repercussions.
However, Quaicoe, through his lawyers, vehemently denied the claim. In a statement, his legal team, led by Saviour Quarcoo Kudze, described Kpebu’s assertions as “false and defamatory,” demanding a retraction and an apology.
Your ORAL is significantly funny and a joke; we are a democracy, and needless to point this to you, Hon. We are governed by law & order ( due process). This is simply your jaundiced mind imagining…
Dead abnitio!..
It’s a political joke. You and your team should wake up..— Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (@FAnnohDompreh) January 12, 2025
