The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for a forensic audit of the National Cathedral project and potential prosecution of its trustees following an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
Findings and Procurement Breaches
The investigation, prompted by a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed significant breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws. The construction contract with Ribade Company Ltd was found to be “void ab initio” due to non-compliance with the Procurement Act (Act 663, as amended by Act 914).
CHRAJ recommended that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) intervene to cancel the contract, stating:
“The Board of the Public Procurement Authority should intervene to cancel the contract for the construction of the National Cathedral between the National Cathedral and Ribade Company.”
Financial Concerns and Forensic Audit
CHRAJ highlighted that as of May 31, 2022, a total of GHS225,962,500.00 had been spent on activities including site preparation, contractor mobilization, U.S. fundraising, consultancy, and symposia. Despite this expenditure, the project remains incomplete, raising concerns about value for money.
The Commission urged the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit, noting its lack of expertise to determine whether the funds have been used efficiently given the current state of the project.
Reputational Risks
CHRAJ warned of potential reputational damage to Ghana due to the high-profile nature of the project and breaches of procurement laws, which could lead to international embarrassment.
Legal Action Against Trustees
The Commission also recommended further investigation and possible prosecution of the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees for overseeing the awarding of contracts in violation of procurement laws.
Background and Conflict of Interest Allegations
The investigation followed a January 2023 petition by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who accused Reverend Victor Kusi-Boateng, Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, of conflict of interest and other alleged criminal activities.
The petition alleged that Rev. Kusi-Boateng, under the alias Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, facilitated the transfer of GH¢2.6 million from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company he allegedly owned.
Ablakwa claimed:
“There is no distinct Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. Kwabena Adu Gyamfi is a criminal creation of Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng. The two are, therefore, the same.”
The petition also alleged that Rev. Kusi-Boateng used multiple passports and identification cards with differing names and birthdates as part of his modus operandi.
Next Steps
As the case unfolds, CHRAJ’s recommendations signal increased scrutiny over the National Cathedral project, with calls for accountability and transparency to safeguard public interest.