North Tongu lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demanded an immediate halt to the payment of salaries to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project.
He contends that paying salaries to the board and staff is unjustifiable, given that the project has been delayed for over 30 months.
“The ongoing payment of salaries to the National Cathedral Board must end. They shouldn’t even receive their November salary. How can a board continue receiving salaries for a project that has been at a standstill for 38 months?” Ablakwa stated on an interview on Saturday, November 30.
He also emphasized the need to recover the $58 million already spent on the National Cathedral project.This statement follows the release of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) report on the project, which Mr. Ablakwa described as having significant and far-reaching implications.
He remarked, “Although I have some reservations about aspects of the report, its far-reaching consequences should not be underestimated.”
He further emphasized, “This report is explosive, damning, and staggering, with profound implications”
After over a year of investigation, the Commission discovered that Ribade Company Ltd was paid $312,394,049.53 for the National Cathedral project. However, the Commission concluded that the contract with Ribade violated public procurement rules under Act 663, making it illegal and invalid.
The Commission recommended that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) cancel the contract, as they have the power to do so. They also called for further investigation and potential prosecution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees for breaching procurement laws.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who filed the petition, described the report as “damning,” particularly since the project is intended to honor God and is managed by religious leaders.
The National Cathedral project has caused public controversy, with many criticizing the government for ignoring opposition. Construction has halted due to a lack of funds from institutions and donors.
In 2016, President Akufo-Addo promised to build the National Cathedral as a tribute to God. However, the government’s conflicting statements about its funding have sparked public backlash, with many concerned about using taxpayer money for such an expensive project.
