National Cathedral: CHRAJ recommends investigation, contract cancellation & prosecution

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 following an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

In a report released on November 22, 2024, CHRAJ outlined several breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly concerning the award of the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. The Commission concluded that the contract was “void ab initio” due to its violation of the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act, Act 663, as amended by Act 914.

The CHRAJ Commissioner, Joseph Whittal, called for the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to intervene and cancel the contract, citing the PPA’s authority under the Procurement Act.

CHRAJ also recommended that the Auditor-General conduct a forensic audit of the project, raising concerns over the GHS 225,962,500 spent by May 31, 2022. This amount, described as “seed money,” was allocated for site preparation, contractor mobilization, U.S. fundraising, consultants, and symposia. The Commission emphasized that the project’s lack of progress raises questions about the value for money.

Further, CHRAJ warned of reputational risks for Ghana, pointing to potential international embarrassment due to violations of procurement laws. The Commission urged the investigation and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral for their role in the unlawful contract award.

The investigation was initiated following a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has consistently criticized the National Cathedral project. He accused officials of corruption, lack of transparency, and abuse of power.

While the government and the Board of Trustees have yet to respond to CHRAJ’s findings and recommendations, the Commission cleared Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board and founder of Power House Chapel, of allegations concerning dual identities and conflicting interests. CHRAJ found no evidence that Rev. Kusi Boateng held two passports or that he was involved in any illegal transfers of funds, as alleged by Ablakwa. The investigation concluded that there was no conflict of interest involving the transfer of GH¢2.6 million to JNS Talent Centre Limited, owned by Rev. Kusi Boateng under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.

The government and relevant authorities are yet to publicly respond to the full scope of CHRAJ’s findings and recommendations.

Read the full report 

National-Cathedral-Decision