A recent report by Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has intensified debates surrounding the stalled National Cathedral project, with North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa calling for financial accountability from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Key Findings of the CHRAJ Report
The CHRAJ report identified serious procurement breaches, alleged mismanagement of funds, and questions over the project’s prioritization amid Ghana’s current economic struggles. Key findings include:
- Total Expenditure: Approximately $312.39 million has been spent on the project to date, despite its stalled status.
- Illegal Payments: Among the expenditures, $58 million has been classified as potentially unlawful, prompting calls for restitution.
- Procurement Irregularities: The contract awarded to Ribade Company Limited, the project’s contractor, was found to have violated Ghana’s Procurement Act (Act 663). CHRAJ declared the contract void and recommended that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) cancel it.
- Call for Forensic Audit: The Commission urged a thorough forensic audit to determine how state funds were allocated and spent.
Ablakwa Demands Accountability
In light of the report, MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demanded that President Akufo-Addo personally refund the $58 million spent on what he describes as an illegal transaction.
“Everything begins and ends at the doorstep of Akufo-Addo,” Ablakwa stated during a press briefing. He accused the President of deceiving stakeholders, including eminent clergymen, and insisted that the National Cathedral Secretariat be dissolved immediately.
Ablakwa also questioned the payment of salaries to board members of the Secretariat despite the project being stalled for over 38 months, calling for an end to what he termed an unnecessary drain on public funds.
“The continuous payment of salaries to the National Cathedral Board must stop. A stalled project should not burden taxpayers with such costs,” he asserted.
CHRAJ Recommendations
In addition to recommending the cancellation of the Ribade contract, CHRAJ proposed several measures to ensure accountability and restore public trust:
- Prosecution of Responsible Parties: Those involved in the procurement violations should face legal action.
- Comprehensive Forensic Audit: A detailed audit of all project-related expenditures should be conducted to uncover potential misuse of public funds.
- Oversight by PPA: The Public Procurement Authority must enforce compliance with procurement laws.
Broader Concerns
The National Cathedral, a flagship project of President Akufo-Addo’s administration, has faced widespread criticism since its inception. Critics argue that the use of taxpayer funds for its construction is inappropriate given Ghana’s economic challenges, including a recent debt restructuring program.
Ablakwa, who petitioned CHRAJ in 2023, has been a vocal critic of the project. His petition also raised concerns about payments to JNS Talent Centre Limited and alleged conflicts of interest involving Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, a board member. While CHRAJ substantiated claims of procurement irregularities, it dismissed allegations of conflict of interest.
Public and Political Fallout
The revelations in the CHRAJ report have intensified calls for accountability and heightened public skepticism about the project’s viability. Critics emphasize that taxpayer money should not be spent on a project fraught with legal and financial irregularities.
“The $58 million must be refunded because we can’t spend taxpayers’ money on an illegality,” Ablakwa stressed.
As the debate continues, pressure mounts on the government to address these findings transparently and ensure that public funds are used responsibly, especially during challenging economic times.
Source: InsiderGH.com
