The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Nana Agyemang Badu II, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to launch a comprehensive investigation into the National Cathedral project, citing concerns over financial transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a durbar during President Mahama’s ‘Thank You’ tour on Friday, May 30, the Dormaahene highlighted the troubling expenditure of $58 million on the project, which has sparked widespread public outcry.
He emphasized that the scale of public concern necessitates an impartial probe.
He said “The National Cathedral and the $58 million they’ve wasted it, President whether the person involved is a pastor, a chief, or whoever they may be, as for that pit I don’t understand investigated it.”
The chief urged President Mahama not to be deterred by any pressure or fear in pursuing justice, warning that ignoring the issue would lead to public disappointment and erode trust in leadership.
“Don’t let anyone convince you that it’s not worth investigating. If you ignore it, Ghanaians will be disappointed in you,” he cautioned.
The National Cathedral project, initiated under the previous administration, has been mired in controversy due to its escalating costs, lack of transparency, and stalled construction.
Originally estimated at $400 million, the project has already consumed $58 million of public funds with little tangible progress beyond a large excavation site in Accra’s city center.
Calls for accountability have intensified following reports by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which found procurement breaches and financial mismanagement, recommending the cancellation of contracts awarded for the project.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has acknowledged the controversy and announced earlier that Deloitte & Touche is conducting an independent audit of the project, with findings expected by the end of May.
This audit aims to clarify the financial and operational irregularities surrounding the cathedral.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
