National Cathedral: CHRAJ recommends investigation, contract cancellation and possible prosecution

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit and possible prosecution of the managers of the National Cathedral project.

This comes after an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power surrounding the controversial project.

The findings were detailed in a report dated November 22, 2024, following complaints from North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The report points to several violations of Ghanaian procurement laws, particularly in the award of the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. CHRAJ concluded that the contract was “void ab initio because it was entered into in violation of the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act, Act 663, as amended by Act 914.”

The report signed by CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal called on the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to intervene and terminate 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 authority to do so under the Procurement Act.”

Furthermore, CHRAJ urged the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of the project, citing concerns over the GHS225,962,500.00 spent as of May 31, 2022, described as ‘seed money’.

“This sum of money has been spent on on-site preparation, contractor mobilization, US fundraising, consultants and symposiums,” the report said.

“The public interest dictates that there must be value for money in the implementation of projects. Unfortunately, this Commission does not have the expertise to determine value for money as the project remains in the same condition.”

CHRAJ expressed concern about the reputational risks posed by the project’s controversies, stressing that violations of procurement laws “could cause international embarrassment to the country, given its international status and that of Ribade Company Ltd.”

The Commission further recommended that the Board of Directors of the National Cathedral be subject to investigation and possible prosecution for their role in awarding the contract, in violation of procurement laws.

“The Commission further recommends further investigation and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, which oversaw the award of the contract to Ribade Company, in violation of Act 663, as amended,” the report said.

The investigation was triggered by a petition by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, an outspoken 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.

Also read: CHRAJ Clears Pastor Kusi Boateng of Conflict of Interest, Says He Doesn’t Hold Two Passports With Different Names

Meanwhile, CHRAJ has cleared Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng of Power House Chapel and Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees over allegations that he has two passports with two different names.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned CHRAJ in January 2023 to investigate Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng for conflict of interest, including possession of multiple identities and other criminal acts.

However, a report by CHRAJ shows that he has one passport with the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and that he was never issued a passport with the name Kusi-Boateng as alleged.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa’s petition also alleged that there had been a transfer of GH¢2.6 million in cash from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Center Limited, owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.

The Commission, however, concluded that no service had been rendered by the JNS Talent Center Limited, owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng under his secondary identity, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, and there was no evidence of the said payment, thereby cleared of conflict of interest.

Full report below:

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