The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has detained Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, over allegations of possessing multiple identities, marking a dramatic escalation in a scandal linked to Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project. The detention follows a 2023 exposé by North Tongu MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who accused the clergyman of fraudulently using dual passports and identification documents to conduct business.
Background: Ablakwa’s Explosive Allegations
In January 2023, Ablakwa publicly alleged that Rev. Kusi Boateng, then serving as Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, operated under multiple identities. In a detailed Facebook post, Ablakwa claimed Boateng used the alias “Kwabena Adu Gyamfi†to secure GH¢2.6 million in payments from the National Cathedral project through his company, JNS Talent Centre Ltd.
“From unassailable and irreproachable documents in my possession, Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, AKA Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, uses multiple passports and identification cards with different names and dates of birth as his special modus operandi,†Ablakwa stated. He further asserted that Boateng’s dual identity enabled questionable financial transactions, sparking calls for accountability.
Court Dismisses Boateng’s Attempt to Silence Ablakwa
On July 13, 2024, the Human Rights Court dismissed an injunction application filed by Rev. Kusi Boateng, which sought to bar Ablakwa from publicly commenting on his alleged role in the National Cathedral’s affairs. The court’s decision paved the way for renewed scrutiny, culminating in the NIB’s detention of Boateng days later.
While the specific charges remain undisclosed, sources close to the investigation confirm the probe centers on Boateng’s alleged use of conflicting identities and potential financial misconduct.
National Cathedral Scandal Deepens
The National Cathedral project, a flagship initiative of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, has faced criticism over transparency and funding. Ablakwa’s revelations about Boateng’s GH¢2.6 million payment under the pseudonym Kwabena Adu Gyamfi intensified concerns about mismanagement. Documents cited by Ablakwa reportedly confirm that both names refer to the same individual, raising questions about oversight in the project’s financial dealings.
Despite the allegations, Boateng has retained his position as an Executive Council Member and Director of the National Cathedral Board, a fact that has drawn public outcry amid the ongoing investigation.
Public and Political Reactions
The detention has reignited debates about accountability in Ghana’s governance and religious institutions. Anti-corruption advocates have hailed the NIB’s move as a step toward justice, while supporters of Boateng argue the allegations are politically motivated.
Ablakwa, meanwhile, has reiterated his call for transparency: “This case underscores the urgent need to sanitize our public institutions. No individual, regardless of status, should evade accountability.â€
What’s Next?
As the NIB continues its investigation, pressure mounts on the National Cathedral Board to address governance gaps. Legal experts suggest Boateng could face charges related to identity fraud, forgery, or financial impropriety if evidence substantiates Ablakwa’s claims.
The case also spotlights Ghana’s broader struggle with identity fraud and corruption, challenges that have fueled public distrust in high-profile projects.
Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng’s detention marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s fight against corruption. With the National Cathedral scandal at the forefront, the outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for accountability in the intersection of faith, governance, and public finance.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.