Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General, Dr Justice Srem Sai, has disclosed a significant increase in corruption-related investigations, crediting the rise to a wave of whistleblower reports and citizen-led complaints.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews, Dr Srem Sai revealed that the number of active cases stemming from the Office of the Registrar of Companies and Anti-Corruption Leadership (ORAL) report has jumped from 33 to over 50.
“There are other cases. The ORAL report had 33 cases, but I can tell you on authority that right now we are running over 50 cases,” he said.
According to Dr Srem Sai, whistleblowing is reshaping Ghana’s fight against corruption, with more citizens, insiders, and former officials voluntarily presenting documents and testimonies to the Attorney General’s office.
“People are bringing you evidence and complaints. I can tell you, Ghanaians are really determined to get accountability,” he added.
ORAL Report Spurs Accountability Movement
Dr Srem Sai emphasized the pivotal role of the ORAL report, calling it a “critical trigger” in uncovering widespread corruption, particularly concerning events from 2020.
“You were right when you said that the ORAL is the ultimate determinant of what happened in 2020,” he told host Evans Mensah.
He noted that, beyond the report itself, the Attorney General’s office is receiving new complaints daily, often supported by legal representation and documented evidence.
“Every day, someone walks into the Attorney General’s office. Some come with lawyers, others come alone. And they have documents, making complaints every day,” he explained.
Insiders Now Leading Anti-Corruption Disclosures
When asked if political opponents were driving the surge, Dr Srem Sai clarified that many whistleblowers are current or former government officials.
“Some of them are neutrals, but most of them are government officials,” he revealed. “Some people were part of the previous government, and they themselves are coming forward with information.”
He added that both low-level and high-ranking appointees are stepping up with internal details about corruption involving their colleagues. “They generally are coming forward with information against their own former colleagues. Some are high up,” he noted.
Restoring Trust Through Accountability
Dr Srem Sai believes the increase in whistleblower activity reflects a broader national desire for accountability and transparency.
“The message I get is that people want accountability. That’s why they come forward, even without being pushed,” he said.
He assured the public that the Attorney General’s office only acts on credible evidence. “We don’t act on mere claims. But once there’s evidence, once there’s reason to investigate, we do.”
