CHRAJ Exposes Procurement Breaches in National Cathedral Project, Calls for Contract Termination
Procurement Law Breaches, Mismanagement, and Calls for Accountability Dominate Findings
- CHRAJ declares the construction contract with Ribade Company Ltd "void ab initio"
- CHRAJ recommends a forensic audit of over GHS225 million spent and PPA intervention to cancel the contract
- CHRAJ calls for investigation and potential prosecution of the Board of Trustees
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit and possible prosecution of the trustees of the National Cathedral project.
This follows an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power surrounding the controversial construction.
The findings, contained in a report dated November 22, 2024, were prompted by a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
CHRAJ uncovered multiple breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws, particularly in the contract awarded to Ribade Company Ltd, which was declared “void ab initio” for violating the Procurement Act (Act 663 as amended by Act 914).
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- Contract Cancellation: CHRAJ urged the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to terminate the contract with Ribade Company Ltd.
- Forensic Audit: The Auditor-General has been called upon to conduct a detailed audit of the GHS225,962,500 spent on the project as of May 31, 2022. This amount was described as “seed money” used for site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising, and consultancy.
- Trustees Investigation: CHRAJ recommended further investigation and potential prosecution of the Board of Trustees for awarding the contract in contravention of procurement laws.
Concerns Raised:
CHRAJ noted that the project, still incomplete, poses reputational risks for Ghana, with procurement breaches potentially leading to international embarrassment. The Commission also expressed concerns over value for money, stating that its expertise did not allow it to determine whether the expenditure justified the project’s current state.
CHRAJ Clears Rev. Kusi Boateng of Conflict of Interest Allegations
While the National Cathedral project remains under scrutiny, CHRAJ exonerated Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, of allegations of holding two passports with different identities. The investigation confirmed he held only one passport under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
Accusations involving a GHS2.6 million transfer from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, linked to Rev. Kusi Boateng, were also dismissed due to lack of evidence.
The government and the Board of Trustees have yet to respond to CHRAJ’s report and recommendations.
Read the full statement below..
