The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for a forensic audit, the cancellation of a construction contract, and potential prosecution of the trustees of the National Cathedral project.
This recommendation follows an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power concerning the controversial project.
A report, dated November 22, 2024, highlights breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. CHRAJ deemed the contract “void ab initio,” stating it was executed in contravention of the Procurement Act, Act 663, as amended by Act 914.
The report, signed by CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal, urged the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to cancel the contract. “The Board of the Public Procurement Authority should intervene to cancel the contract… as it has the power to do so under the Procurement Act,” the report emphasized.
Concerns over public funds and procurement breaches
CHRAJ also called for the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of the GHS225,962,500 spent on the project as of May 31, 2022. This amount, referred to as “seed money,” was allocated for site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising efforts, and other preliminary activities.
“Public interest dictates that there ought to be value for money in project execution,” CHRAJ noted. However, the Commission admitted its inability to determine if the expenditures yielded value, given the project’s current state.
CHRAJ further highlighted the reputational risks posed by procurement violations, cautioning that such issues could bring “international embarrassment to the country.”
The Commission recommended investigations and possible prosecution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees for overseeing the award of the contract to Ribade Company Ltd in violation of procurement laws.
Ablakwa’s petition and Kusi Boateng exoneration
The investigation stemmed from a petition by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has been a vocal critic of the project. He alleged corruption, abuse of power, and lack of transparency in its execution.
Meanwhile, CHRAJ cleared Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, of allegations related to possessing dual identities and conflict of interest.
Mr. Ablakwa’s January 2023 petition had accused Rev. Kusi Boateng of operating under a secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, and mismanaging funds. However, CHRAJ found no evidence to substantiate the claim and confirmed that Rev. Kusi Boateng only holds a passport under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
The government and the Board of Trustees are yet to respond to CHRAJ’s findings and recommendations.
Full report:
