National Cathedral under fire: CHRAJ demands contract termination and prosecution
Trustee members found culpable in various offences concerning the National Cathedral project are likely to be prosecuted as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) proposes a forensic audit.
CHRAJ made the recommendation following an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power surrounding the controversial project, based on a complaint filed by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
In its report dated November 22, 2024, CHRAJ uncovered multiple violations of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd.
The commission concluded that the contract was “void ab initio” as it violated mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act (Act 663 as amended by Act 914).
Signed by Commissioner Joseph Whittal, the report urged the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to cancel the contract with Ribade Company Ltd and take necessary corrective actions.
“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 as it has the power to do so under the Procurement Act.”
Additionally, CHRAJ urged the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of the project, citing concerns about the GHS225,962,500.00 spent as of May 31, 2022, described as “seed money.”
“This sum of money has been expended on-site preparation, contractors’ mobilization, US fundraising, consultants, and symposia,” the report noted.
“Public interest dictates that there ought to be value for money in project execution. Unfortunately, this Commission has no expertise to determine whether there has been value for money considering the project remains in the same state.”
CHRAJ expressed concern over the reputational risks posed by the project’s controversies, emphasizing that breaches of procurement laws could attract “international embarrassment to the country considering its international status and that of Ribade Company Ltd.”
“The Commission further recommends for further investigation and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral who superintended over the award of the contract to Ribade Company in disregard to Act 663 as amended,” the report stated.
The investigation was initiated following a petition by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a vocal critic of the National Cathedral project.
Despite the damning findings, neither the government nor the National Cathedral Board of Trustees has responded to CHRAJ’s report and recommendations.
Separately, CHRAJ has cleared Reverend Victor Kusi-Boateng, Secretary to the National Cathedral Board of Trustees and leader of the Power House Chapel, of allegations involving dual identities and conflict of interest.
Mr Ablakwa had alleged in January 2023 that Rev. Kusi-Boateng held two passports under different names and engaged in questionable financial transactions.
CHRAJ’s report found no evidence supporting these claims, concluding that Rev. Kusi-Boateng has only one passport issued under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
It also addressed allegations of a GH¢2.6 million transfer from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company linked to Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his alternative identity.
CHRAJ determined there was no evidence of the payment or services rendered by JNS Talent Centre Limited, effectively clearing him of conflict of interest and other charges.