North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that despite the suspension of work on the National Cathedral of Ghana project due to a lack of funds, the project's debt continues to grow. As of early August 2023, the accumulated debt has reached a staggering US$52 million.

Ablakwa emphasized that even though construction activities are not currently ongoing, certain contractual obligations are responsible for the ongoing debts. Notably, a concept known as "suspension claims" requires the Ghanaian government to make monthly payments of US$500,000, even during the period of suspended construction. This practice has significantly contributed to the substantial debt that has accrued.

Breaking down the sources of the debt, Ablakwa provided the following information:

A certified claim of US$29 million from Ribade, the company responsible for the construction, arising from their decision to halt work and lay off staff in March 2022.

An interest claim amounting to US$13 million on the aforementioned US$29 million, as reported by the contractors.

An additional debt of US$10 million attributed to the suspension of work itself.

This information underscores the intricate financial challenges associated with managing large-scale infrastructure projects. It highlights the potential financial consequences that can persist even when construction activities are temporarily put on hold.

This situation raises pertinent questions about the financial oversight, contractual agreements, and overall management of the National Cathedral project. Transparent communication and accountability are crucial aspects that need to be emphasized in such endeavors to ensure that public funds are utilized with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.