The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that assets valued at GH₵1.5 billion have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

According to the minister, although investigators have made notable progress in tracing suspected misappropriated funds and assets, the state cannot fully recover some of the monies until the individuals involved are prosecuted and convicted by the courts.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also dismissed reports suggesting that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had retrieved GH₵600 million specifically through the ORAL initiative.

He clarified that the amount represents general recoveries of misused public funds by EOCO and is not directly linked to the ORAL programme.

The clarification came during parliamentary deliberations on the first day of debate on the State of the Nation Address, where discussions were marked by sharp disagreements between the Majority and Minority sides of the House.

Members of the Minority raised concerns about the government’s handling of the cocoa sector and warned of what they described as rising security challenges across the country.

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, questioned the government’s strategy for tackling emerging security threats.

Similarly, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Kwabre East representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also raised concerns about the country’s economic performance and developments in key sectors.

On the Majority side, Isaac Adongo, Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, defended the government’s fiscal direction, stating that ongoing reforms would stabilise the economy and restore public confidence.

Meanwhile, Kofi Benteh Afful, Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), praised the administration’s anti-corruption drive and efforts to strengthen accountability across public institutions.