The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that assets valued at GHS1.5 billion have been frozen as investigations continue under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

According to him, while the initiative has made significant progress, some funds cannot be fully recovered until individuals implicated in the investigations are successfully prosecuted and convicted.

He also dismissed claims that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered GHS600 million specifically through ORAL.

He clarified that the amount referenced relates to recoveries of stolen public funds in general and not monies directly retrieved under the ORAL initiative.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu made the remarks during parliamentary proceedings on the first day of debate on the State of the Nation Address.

The session saw sharp exchanges between the Minority and Majority sides of the House.

Members of the Minority criticised the government’s handling of the cocoa sector crisis and raised concerns about recent security challenges across the country.

Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, questioned the government’s response to emerging security threats, while Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, MP for Kwabre East on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also expressed concerns over economic management and sectoral performance.

On the Majority side, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, defended the government’s fiscal measures, insisting that reforms underway would stabilise the economy and restore confidence.

Kofi Benteh Afful, NDC MP for Sefwi Wiawso, praised the administration’s efforts to tackle corruption and strengthen public accountability mechanisms.

The debate on the State of the Nation Address is expected to continue in the coming days as Members of Parliament further scrutinise government policy directions and performance across key sectors.