The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit of the National Cathedral project and the prosecution of its trustees following an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power.
The investigation, initiated by a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, uncovered significant procurement breaches and raised concerns about financial accountability in the execution of the project.
Procurement Breaches
CHRAJ’s findings revealed substantial violations of Ghana’s procurement regulations, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. The contract was deemed “void ab initio” due to non-compliance with the Procurement Act (Act 663, as amended by Act 914).
In its report, CHRAJ urged the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) 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 as it has the power to do so under the Procurement Act.”
Forensic Audit and Financial Concerns
CHRAJ called on the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of the project, noting that as of May 31, 2022, GHS 225,962,500.00 had been spent on site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising in the U.S., consultancy fees, and symposia. Despite these expenditures, the project remains incomplete, prompting questions about value for money.
The report stated: “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.”
Reputational Risks
CHRAJ warned of potential reputational damage to Ghana due to the project’s international profile and the involvement of Ribade Company Ltd. It noted that the procurement law breaches could result in international embarrassment.
Legal Action Against Trustees
The Commission recommended further investigation and potential prosecution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees for awarding the contract in violation of procurement laws.
“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,” CHRAJ stated.
Background
In January 2023, MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned CHRAJ to investigate Reverend Victor Kusi-Boateng, Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, over alleged conflicts of interest and criminal dealings.
The petition alleged that GHS 2.6 million was transferred from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. Mr. Ablakwa accused Rev. Kusi-Boateng of using multiple identities, passports, and identification cards to facilitate these transactions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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,” Mr. Ablakwa alleged in a statement.
The petition invoked CHRAJ’s mandate under Article 218 of the 1992 Constitution to investigate the alleged conflicts of interest and financial irregularities.
CHRAJ’s findings and recommendations now place the spotlight on the government and relevant institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in the management of the National Cathedral project.
