A photograph circulating online claims to show Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas meeting the newly constituted Anti-Corruption Preparatory Committee, nicknamed the “ORAL Team.”
The image depicts Anas embracing Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the chairperson of the ORAL Team.
However, this claim is misleading, as the photograph is an old image from 2023, taken during a social event unrelated to the ORAL Team.
Origin of the fake claim
The misleading narrative appears to have originated from social media platforms, where the photo was repurposed and shared with captions falsely linking it to the ORAL Team.
The claim gained traction following Ablakwa’s recent appointment as the chairperson of the “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” team, a preparatory body aimed at investigating and recovering state resources lost to corruption.
The true context of the photo
The image was originally shared by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on August 13, 2023.
The post, captioned “The Anas Principle,” was made following a private birthday celebration for renowned journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr. The event was casual, with no connections to any anti-corruption initiatives.
The Anas Principle pic.twitter.com/xKf7Sfz8YL
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 12, 2023
Ablakwa’s original post and other images from the event confirm that the photo was taken during this celebration.
Why is this fake claim viral now?
The resurfacing of this photo coincides with Ablakwa’s high-profile appointment as the chairperson of the ORAL Team by President-elect John Dramani Mahama. The ORAL Team is tasked with gathering evidence to support the recovery of looted state resources.
However, there is no evidence linking Anas to the ORAL Team. The team comprises notable figures, including former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer
Ablakwa has emphasized that the ORAL Team will complement state institutions’ efforts without duplicating their work. He also clarified that the team’s members would not receive salaries, allowances, or per-diems to avoid burdening the state
This incident highlights the heightened public interest in Ghana’s fight against corruption and the ease with which misinformation can spread.
The ORAL Team’s formation has sparked significant attention, and attempts to link high-profile figures like Anas to the initiative may be driven by the desire to amplify its credibility. However, such claims undermine the integrity of genuine anti-corruption efforts.
The viral photo purportedly showing Anas meeting with the ORAL Team is an old image from Kwesi Pratt Jr.’s birthday celebration in 2023. It has been misrepresented to align with recent developments involving the ORAL Team.
The lack of evidence supporting the existence of a collaboration between Anas and the ORAL Team confirms that this claim is baseless.
Source:
3news.com
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