A recent report by Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has reignited controversy over the National Cathedral project, with North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa demanding financial restitution from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The CHRAJ report highlights procurement breaches, alleged mismanagement of funds, and questions over public spending priorities amid economic challenges.

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The Commission revealed that approximately $312,394,049.53 has been spent on the halted project, including $58 million in what Ablakwa describes as “illegality.” CHRAJ found that the contract awarded to Ribade Company Limited, the project’s contractor, violated Ghana’s procurement laws, rendering it invalid.

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The report recommended the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) cancel the contract and urged a forensic audit of the project to determine the use of state funds.

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“Having found that the contract awarded to Ribade Company Ltd is void ab initio for being entered into contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act, Act 663 as amended by Act 914, the Commission also recommends that the Board of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) 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

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under the Procurement Act,” the Commission reported.

criticised the President’s role, stating, “Everything begins and ends at the doorstep of Akufo-Addo,” and called for him to refund the $58 million. “President Akufo-Addo must be made to pay the compensation claims, refund $58 million, and cover the hole. The eminent clergymen were deceived by Akufo-Addo; everything begins and ends at

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the doorstep of Akufo-Addo,” he told the media in response to CHRAJ’s report on the matter.He also demanded the immediate dissolution of the National Cathedral Secretariat, questioning why board members continue to draw salaries despite the project being stalled for over 30 months. “The continuous payment for salary to the National Cathedral Board must stop. I don’t expect them to see their November salary.

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A project that has come to a halt for 38 months and the board is receiving a salary,” he added.CHRAJ’s findings followed a 2023 petition by Ablakwa, which highlighted concerns over payments made to JNS Talent Centre Limited and alleged conflicts of interest involving Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, a board member of the National Cathedral.

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The Commission substantiated claims of procurement irregularities but dismissed allegations of conflict of interest.The National Cathedral, a centrepiece of President Akufo-Addo’s 2016 campaign promises, has faced significant public opposition. Critics argue that taxpayer funds should not be used for its construction, especially given Ghana’s pressing economic issues, including a recent debt restructuring program.

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CHRAJ’s recommendations include prosecuting those responsible for procurement violations and conducting a comprehensive audit of all expenditures linked to the project. Ablakwa emphasised that accountability must be enforced, stating, “The $58 million must be refunded because we can’t spend taxpayers’ money on an illegality.”

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