The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has issued a damning report recommending a forensic audit and potential legal action against trustees of the National Cathedral project. This follows an extensive investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power, prompted by complaints from North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
CHRAJ’s findings, published on November 22, 2024, revealed significant violations of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Limited. According to the report, the contract was deemed "void ab initio" as it contravened the mandatory provisions of Ghana's Procurement Act, Act 663, as amended by Act 914.
In a strongly worded statement, CHRAJ called on the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to immediately cancel the contract. The report, signed by CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal, emphasized the need for decisive action to restore public trust. It also flagged the staggering sum of GHS 225,962,500.00 labeled as "seed money," which was spent on site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising activities in the United States, consultants, and symposia as of May 31, 2022. CHRAJ urged the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of these expenditures to ensure value for money.
The Commission stressed that it lacked the technical expertise to determine if the expenditures delivered value, particularly given the incomplete state of the project. Nonetheless, it underscored the necessity of ensuring accountability in a project of this magnitude, which carries significant international and reputational implications for Ghana. Breaches of procurement laws, the report noted, could expose the country to international embarrassment, especially given the global recognition of Ribade Company Limited.
CHRAJ further recommended that the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral be investigated and potentially prosecuted for their role in awarding the contract in violation of procurement laws. The report highlighted the trustees' failure to adhere to legal standards, which it said undermined transparency and accountability in the project.
The investigation was initiated after MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa lodged a formal petition alleging corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of transparency in the project's execution. Ablakwa, a vocal critic of the National Cathedral project, has consistently raised concerns about its management and funding. His petition played a pivotal role in bringing the alleged irregularities to light.
While the focus of CHRAJ’s report was on the trustees’ actions, the government and the National Cathedral's Board of Trustees have yet to respond to the findings or the recommended interventions. The silence from these quarters has sparked further public debate, with many Ghanaians demanding greater transparency in the handling of state-funded projects.
Interestingly, the CHRAJ report also addressed a separate complaint involving Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the National Cathedral Board of Trustees. Ablakwa had earlier accused Rev. Kusi Boateng of possessing dual identities and engaging in conflict of interest related to the project. According to Ablakwa, Rev. Kusi Boateng allegedly held two passports under different names—Victor Kusi Boateng and Kwabena Adu Gyamfi—and transferred GHS 2.6 million in cash from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company allegedly owned by him.
However, CHRAJ cleared Rev. Kusi Boateng of the allegations, concluding that he had only one passport under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and that no payment had been made to JNS Talent Centre Limited. The Commission’s investigation found no evidence of conflict of interest or criminal activity on his part, exonerating him entirely.
This development has added a complex dimension to the discourse surrounding the National Cathedral project. While CHRAJ’s report absolves Rev. Kusi Boateng of wrongdoing, it casts a shadow over the trustees and the project’s financial dealings. Public reactions to these findings have been mixed, with some commending CHRAJ’s diligence while others question the integrity of the exoneration.
The National Cathedral project, a flagship initiative under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, has been mired in controversy since its inception. Intended to be a monumental religious and cultural edifice, the project has faced persistent criticism over its funding, prioritization amidst economic challenges, and allegations of mismanagement.
The CHRAJ report represents a significant milestone in efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the project. It has heightened public scrutiny and put pressure on the government and the trustees to act responsibly. Advocates for good governance are hopeful that this investigation will pave the way for stricter adherence to procurement laws and greater oversight of public projects.
As the debate over the National Cathedral continues, CHRAJ’s recommendations have set the stage for potentially transformative changes in the way Ghana manages large-scale state-funded initiatives. Whether these recommendations will be implemented remains to be seen, but the call for transparency and accountability has undoubtedly become louder and more urgent.
Ghanaians are now watching closely to see if the government and the PPA will heed CHRAJ’s recommendations and take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for governance and public trust in Ghana.
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