CHRAJ calls for National Cathedral contract cancellation, possible prosecution

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit and potential legal action against the trustees overseeing the National Cathedral project.

This recommendation follows an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power concerning the controversial initiative. The findings, outlined in a report dated November 22, 2024, stem from a petition filed by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The report uncovered multiple violations of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. CHRAJ determined that the contract was “void ab initio” because it was awarded contrary to the Procurement Act, Act 663, as amended by Act 914.

CHRAJ’s Commissioner, Joseph Whittal, urged the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to annul the contract, stating, “The Board of the Public Procurement Authority should intervene to cancel the contract for the construction of the National Cathedral between the National Cathedral Secretariat and Ribade Company as it has the authority to do under the Procurement Act.”

The report also called for the Auditor-General to perform a forensic audit on the project, raising concerns about GHS225,962,500.00 expended as of May 31, 2022. 

This sum, referred to as “seed money,” was reportedly allocated to activities such as site preparation, contractor mobilization, U.S. fundraising, consultancy, and symposia. 

CHRAJ emphasized that while the Commission lacks the technical expertise to evaluate value for money, the stagnation of the project raises significant concerns.

The Commission warned that breaches of procurement regulations not only jeopardize the project's integrity but could also lead to international embarrassment due to the global prominence of both the project and Ribade Company Ltd. 

Consequently, CHRAJ recommended that the trustees responsible for the contract's oversight be investigated and potentially prosecuted for violating procurement laws.

MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a staunch critic of the project, filed the initial petition that prompted the investigation. 

His allegations highlighted corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of transparency in the project’s management.

The government and the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees have not yet responded to the report's findings and recommendations.

In a related development, CHRAJ has exonerated Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees, of allegations concerning dual identities. 

The investigation concluded that Rev. Kusi Boateng holds only one passport under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and has never been issued a passport under the name Kusi-Boateng.