Daniel Yao Domelevo, a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has clarified that the team’s duty is validation of claims, not conduct investigations.
Speaking on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, January 15, the former Auditor General emphasized that the committee focuses on confirming facts related to state land and property disputes to ensure accurate reporting to President John Mahama.
“Our work is essentially a validation mission,” Domelevo stated. “We cannot simply sit in our offices and accept claims like those from the Lomotey/Adotey family about their demolished property without verifying. The presidency would question our findings if they lacked evidence.”
The ORAL team recently visited North Labone, where a property belonging to the Lomotey/Adotey family was illegally demolished in 2024. During the visit, a family representative shared their ordeal, describing the trauma of losing their home, the destruction of valuables, and their continued struggle for justice.
A Lands Commission letter acknowledged the mistaken allocation of the land to a politically connected group that carried out the demolition.
Despite this admission, the family has yet to receive compensation or assurances of security. They continue to spend significant sums on private security to protect the site.
Distinguishing validation from investigation
Domelevo stressed that the committee’s role is distinct from an investigative process.
“Validation means confirming what exists on the ground. If this were an investigation, we would summon all parties, ask questions, and seek answers. At this stage, we are gathering data to ensure the accuracy of our reports.”
He dismissed suggestions that the committee’s work involves accusing individuals of wrongdoing.
“We are not in the business of making accusations. Establishing guilt requires a full investigation. As an auditor, I know that initial findings often change when challenged with evidence. Our role is to verify, not accuse,” he said.
Domelevo also addressed public confusion between the ORAL Committee’s work and the actions of other agencies, such as national security.
“People often confuse our role with that of national security. While they may take actions beyond validation, their operations are independent of our mandate,” he noted.
The ORAL team assured the Lomotey/Adotey family that their case would feature prominently in a comprehensive report to President Mahama. The report aims to highlight their loss and advocate for appropriate resolutions.
Domelevo reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to thorough validation and factual reporting.
“Our work lays the groundwork for potential future investigations or corrective actions in cases involving state properties and land disputes,” he stressed.