CHRAJ Clears Kusi Boateng: National Cathedral Controversy Settled
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has dismissed allegations of conflict of interest against Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, a Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project. This development comes after Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of Parliament, petitioned CHRAJ, accusing Kusi Boateng of impropriety in the handling of funds related to the National Cathedral project.
Ablakwa alleged that Rev. Kusi Boateng, also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, was involved in self-dealing and unethically benefited from the transfer of GH¢2.6 million from the National Cathedral's accounts to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company allegedly linked to him. He claimed this transaction breached procurement laws and constituted a clear conflict of interest.
After an extensive investigation, CHRAJ ruled that Rev. Kusi Boateng was not guilty of conflict of interest. The Commission stated that the payment to JNS Talent Centre Limited was a loan facility to support the cathedral's construction, and there was no evidence of unlawful personal gain by Kusi Boateng. CHRAJ emphasized that the loan had been duly repaid, debunking claims of financial mismanagement or corruption.
The ruling marks a significant victory for Kusi Boateng, whose reputation has been under public scrutiny since Ablakwa’s allegations surfaced. In a statement following the decision, Kusi Boateng expressed gratitude for CHRAJ's impartiality and reiterated his commitment to the National Cathedral project, which has faced criticism for alleged financial irregularities and lack of transparency.
However, Ablakwa has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, insisting there are unanswered questions surrounding the use of public funds for the cathedral. He vowed to pursue alternative legal and parliamentary channels to ensure accountability.
The CHRAJ decision is expected to reignite debates over the National Cathedral’s financing and governance. While the ruling may clear Kusi Boateng of personal wrongdoing, it does little to address broader concerns about the project's transparency, especially as Ghanaians grapple with economic hardships and growing skepticism over public spending.
As the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral persists, calls for greater accountability in public projects grow louder, underscoring the need for stricter financial oversight and adherence to procurement laws in Ghana.
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