The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for a forensic audit and possible prosecution of the board of trustees of the National Cathedral project following alleged corruption and procurement violations revealed by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The petition from MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, which triggered the investigation revealed that the construction contract awarded to Ribade Company Ltd breached Ghana’s procurement laws and was deemed invalid. CHRAJ recommended the Public Procurement Authority cancel the contract.
The Commission also highlighted concerns over the GHS 225.96 million spent as of May 2022, noting the project’s incomplete state. “There ought to be value for money in project execution,” CHRAJ emphasized in its report. A forensic audit was urged to assess the financial handling of the project.
In addition, CHRAJ raised reputational risks associated with the violations, warning of potential international embarrassment for Ghana. It recommended prosecuting the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees for overseeing these irregularities.
Findings by CHRAJ Revealed by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Implicating Board of Trustees of National Cathedral
Intriguing findings from CHRAJ on my National Cathedral complaint:
1) The contract awarded to RIBADE by the Board of Trustees is illegal and void as it violates Ghana’s procurement laws;
2) The Board of Trustees did not seek concurrent approval from the Central Tender Review… pic.twitter.com/GQlrtOogsO
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) November 25, 2024
The petition also alleged conflicts of interest and financial misconduct involving Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, a Board Trustee. CHRAJ’s recommendations include further investigations and legal action to ensure accountability in the management of the project.
