The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit and potential prosecution of the trustees of the National Cathedral project following allegations of corruption and abuse of power. This development stems from an investigation triggered by a petition from North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with Ghana’s procurement laws.
Procurement Violations
CHRAJ’s report, dated November 22, 2024, revealed significant breaches of procurement regulations in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. The contract was declared “void ab initio” for non-compliance with the Procurement Act (Act 663, as amended by Act 914). The Commission recommended that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) cancel the contract, emphasizing its authority to act under the Procurement Act.
Call for Forensic Audit
The Commission called on the Auditor-General to perform a forensic audit of the project, noting that GHS225.96 million had been spent by May 31, 2022, on activities such as site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising in the U.S., consultancy fees, and symposia. Despite this expenditure, the project remains incomplete, raising concerns about whether funds were effectively utilized.
Legal and Reputational Risks
CHRAJ’s findings also underscored potential reputational risks for Ghana due to the project’s international profile and the alleged procurement breaches. It recommended further investigations and potential prosecution of the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees for their role in awarding contracts in violation of procurement laws.
Allegations of Conflict of Interest
The investigation builds on an earlier petition filed by Mr. Ablakwa in January 2023, which alleged a conflict of interest involving Reverend Victor Kusi-Boateng, Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees. The petition accused Rev. Kusi-Boateng of using a secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, to transfer GHS2.6 million from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company he allegedly owns.
Mr. Ablakwa claimed that Rev. Kusi-Boateng employed multiple identities, including different passports and identification cards with varying dates of birth, as part of a fraudulent scheme. He further alleged that the GHS2.6 million was paid for no work done, describing the transaction as a “criminal creation.”
Recommendations
CHRAJ emphasized the need for a forensic audit to ensure accountability and value for money. It also called for legal actions against individuals and entities involved in procurement violations, urging authorities to prioritize transparency and good governance in public projects.
This case has sparked significant public interest, with many calling for decisive action to address the alleged financial and administrative lapses in the National Cathedral project.
