Why Ken Kuranchie is challenging ORAL in court

Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight newspaper, Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, has filed a writ at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a government-backed anti-corruption initiative.

The writ, filed on September 24, 2025, invokes the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 2(1)(b) of the Constitution (1992) and Rule 45 of the Supreme Court Rules (CI 16) seeking several declarations and orders against the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine who is named as the defendant.

In a citinewsroom.com report on September 29, 2025, Kuranchie argued that ORAL’s establishment and operations including its investigations, reports, decisions, and prosecutions involving present and former government officials are unconstitutional.

ORAL is now Operation Release All Looters – Weija MP

‘A declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 296 (a) and (b). 57. (3), 58. (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5), 187. (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), 178. (1) (a) and (b) and (2), 88, 93. (1) & (2) and 2. (1)(b) of the 1992 Constitution, all reports, derisions, conclusions, and investigations arising out of the operations of the body called "Operation Recover All Loot' (ORAL) and affecting the government of Ghana and personnel in the employ of the Government of Ghana, present and former, is unconstitutional and therefore null and void,” the report said.

He maintained that the initiative lacks the legal mandate to perform such functions.

Kuranchie is seeking a number of reliefs, including a declaration that all reports, investigations, and conclusions made by ORAL are unconstitutional and therefore null and void.

He is also asking the Court to declare all prosecutions arising from ORAL’s activities unconstitutional.

He further seeks an order directing the Attorney-General to halt all actions stemming from ORAL’s operations until the Supreme Court makes a determination on the matter.

Another request is for a full audit of public funds expended on ORAL’s activities.

Additionally, Kuranchie is calling for an order to surcharge individuals involved in ORAL for any government expenditures identified in the audit.

He argued that this would ensure accountability regarding the use of public resources.

ORAL is constitutional and legal - Dr. Dominic Ayine

In line with Supreme Court procedures, the Attorney-General is expected to respond to the writ within 14 days of service.

The case is expected to attract keen public interest due to its implications for government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Read the court document below

MRA/VPO

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