In a startling revelation, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, led by Foreign Affairs Minister-nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, of deploying drones over his private properties in what he believes to be a surveillance operation.
The Effutu MP disclosed on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, February 2, 2025, that he had received multiple reports from his associates regarding the alleged activities. However, he initially chose to remain silent.
According to him, the drone flights were spotted over his Winneba beachfront property, his residence in Abelemkpe, and other locations. Despite this, he maintained that he had nothing to hide, emphasizing that all his assets were legally acquired.
“Meanwhile, I was aware that these ORAL guys have been flying drones in Winneba over my property. I kept quiet. I managed it. They went to my beachfront property, mounted a drone, and flew it from the community center near the ‘nshorna.’ My boy saw it. I told them to ignore it.”
He also alleged that the surveillance extended beyond Winneba, citing instances where drones were spotted hovering over his Abelemkpe residence in Accra.
“In Abelemkpe, you’ll be there in the morning and you’ll see drones flying. The policemen have seen it. They told me, but I said ignore it. Sometimes, early in the morning, we see drones behind the rail line, and I know they are spying on my house.”
Afenyo-Markin’s claims follow Ablakwa’s recent revelations about his properties during his vetting on Friday, January 31. The Majority Leader recounted a prior conversation with the Minority Leader, during which he urged him to reconsider certain aspects of his investigations.
“Before his vetting, ask Ablakwa whether we didn’t sit as brothers. I said, ‘Sammy, there were things that you went overboard. I think if you make concessions, we’ll be fine.’”
He, however, expressed disappointment that the ORAL team allegedly continued its surveillance activities despite their discussion.
On the controversy surrounding his Winneba properties, Afenyo-Markin dismissed allegations that they are state-owned, describing them as false and misleading.
“The gentleman brought a search report and created the impression that my lands in Winneba are state lands. With the greatest respect, they are not.”
The allegations of drone surveillance and the ownership status of the properties add a new layer of controversy to the ongoing political and legal tussle over alleged state asset recoveries.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
