Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, led by Foreign Affairs Minister-nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, of conducting surveillance over his private properties using drones.
Afenyo-Markin, in an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, February 2, 2025, revealed that his associates had informed him of the drone activity on multiple occasions, but he chose to remain silent, stating that he has nothing to hide and all his assets were legally acquired.
The accusation follows Ablakwa’s disclosure about Afenyo-Markin’s properties during his vetting on Friday, January 31, 2025. Afenyo-Markin recalled a conversation with Ablakwa before the vetting, where he expressed concerns over the extent of Ablakwa’s investigation. Despite the discussion, he claimed the ORAL team continued their surveillance activities.
“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,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The alleged drone surveillance, he continued, extended beyond Winneba to his residence in Abelenkpe and other properties. “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,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin also denied claims that his lands in Winneba were state-owned, calling it a misrepresentation. “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.
