The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit and potential prosecution of the trustees of the National Cathedral project.
This comes after an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power regarding the controversial project.
The findings were detailed in a report dated November 22, 2024, following complaints by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The report highlights several breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in the award of the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. CHRAJ concluded that the contract was “void ab initio for being entered into contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act, Act 663 as amended by Act 914.”
The report signed by the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal called on the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to intervene and cancel the contract with Ribade Company Ltd.
“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 recommended that the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral be subjected to investigation and possible prosecution for their role in 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,” the report stated.
The investigation was triggered by a petition from MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has been a vocal critic of the National Cathedral project. He alleged corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of transparency in its construction.
The government and the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral have yet to respond to the findings and recommendations.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in January 2023 petitioned CHRAJ to investigate Rev.Victor Kusi-Boateng for conflict of interest, including possession of multiple identities and other criminal dealings.
However, a report by CHRAJ has indicated that he holds one passport with the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and has never been issued a passport with the name Kusi-Boateng as claimed.
Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa’s petition had also alleged that there was a transfer of GH¢2.6 million in cash from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
However, the Commission concluded that no service was rendered by the JNS Talent Centre Limited owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and that there was no evidence of the said payment, thus clearing him of conflict of interest.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
