Joe Jackson Urges ORAL to Prioritize Asset Recovery Over Prosecutions
Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has called on the ORAL Committee to prioritize recovering misappropriated state funds over pursuing jail terms for implicated government officials and individuals.
Speaking as a panelist on TV3’s Key Points, Mr. Jackson emphasized the need to adopt an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) approach in dealing with government officials perceived to have been involved in the looting of the State, arguing that prolonged legal battles often delay justice and recovery.
“My opinion is that we shouldn’t seek to jail anybody. Just bring the cash,” Mr. Jackson remarked, highlighting the inefficiencies of the judicial process.
He cited examples from countries like Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, where authorities have successfully recovered stolen funds through negotiations rather than drawn-out court cases.
“Going to court takes years and years. We have cases that have been in court for over eight years, with no resolution. Let’s recover the loot—it’s the money we want,” he stated.
Mr. Jackson also pointed out the societal complexities that often arise when high-profile individuals face prosecution, including interference from community leaders, church groups, and other social networks.
“The moment you try to jail someone, their chief will appear, their hometown youth group will appear, their church will stand by them, and the process drags on endlessly,” he explained.
A Pragmatic Approach to Asset Recovery
He urged ORAL to focus on efficient asset recovery mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding public trust and redirecting recovered funds to developmental projects.
“Let’s move on and focus on recovering what was looted. It’s about the nation’s progress,” Mr. Jackson concluded.
Mr. Jackson’s perspective adds to the ongoing debate about the most effective strategies for addressing corruption and financial malfeasance in Ghana.
About ORAL
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), is an anti-corruption preparatory team set up by President John Mahama, to gather information and evidence on suspected acts of corruption involving officials of the previous government.
The ORAL team includes prominent figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelovo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
ORAL forms part of President John Mahama’s broader strategy to enforce strict accountability measures and restore public trust in the public sector.
