By GhanaNewsPage 
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, led by Foreign Affairs Minister-nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, of conducting drone surveillance over his private properties.
Table of Contents
Afenyo-Markin made these allegations during an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, February 2, 2025, stating that he had been informed multiple times about suspicious drone activity near his assets. However, he initially chose to remain silent, insisting that he has nothing to hide and that all his properties were acquired legally.
ORAL’s Alleged Surveillance Operations
The Minority Leader’s revelation comes after Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s vetting on Friday, January 31, where the Foreign Affairs Minister-nominee disclosed details regarding Afenyo-Markin’s properties.
Afenyo-Markin claimed that despite engaging Ablakwa in private discussions before his vetting to address concerns, the ORAL team allegedly continued its surveillance operations.
“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 recounted.
Also Read: Number 12: Court of Appeal orders Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify without mask
However, according to him, the surveillance did not stop, as drones were flown over multiple properties linked to him, including those in Winneba and Abelenkpe.
Eyewitness Accounts of Drone Activity
Afenyo-Markin detailed multiple instances where drones were allegedly spotted near his properties, with reports coming from both his associates and the police.
“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 stated.
Also Read: Ghana’s Minister-Designate for Special Initiatives Advocates for Electric Vehicles in Parliament
He further alleged that the drone surveillance was not limited to Winneba, but extended to his residence in Abelenkpe, Accra.
“In Abelenkpe, 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. What business do drones have at the Minority Leader’s residence?” he questioned.
Denial of State Land Ownership Claims
Afenyo-Markin also refuted allegations that some of his Winneba lands are state-owned, calling it a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“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,” he asserted.
Implications and Political Reactions
The alleged use of drone surveillance in political investigations has sparked debate over privacy rights, legal boundaries, and political rivalry.
- Is drone surveillance legal in political investigations?
- Does this set a dangerous precedent for political scrutiny in Ghana?
- Will the GFA or law enforcement intervene in such matters?
Also Read: Haruna Iddrisu Demands Public Apology from Emeafa Hardcastle Over Verbal Clash with Annoh-Dompreh
As tensions rise between the Minority Leader and the ORAL team, the public awaits a response from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding these allegations.
What Happens Next?
With this growing controversy, it remains to be seen whether:
✅ The ORAL team will respond to Afenyo-Markin’s accusations.
✅ Parliament will investigate allegations of drone surveillance on political figures.
✅ Legal action will be taken regarding privacy violations.
Your Thoughts?
Should political investigations include drone surveillance? Share your opinions in the comments below!