The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit of the National Cathedral project.
It has also called for the prosecution of its trustees, following an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power.
This was contained in a report issued by CHRAJ on November 22, 2024.
The report released follows an investigation conducted into a petition filed at CHRAJ by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The MP raised concerns about the project’s transparency and compliance with Ghana’s procurement laws.
The Commission, through its probe, uncovered significant violations of Ghana’s procurement regulations, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd. The report deemed the contract “void ab initio” due to non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act (Act 663, as amended by Act 914).
It has therefore advised the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to cancel the contract.
“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 power to do so under the Procurement Act.”
CHRAJ further asked the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of the project. As of May 31, 2022, a total of GHS225,962,500.00 had been spent, covering site preparation, contractor mobilization, fundraising in the United States, consultancy fees, and symposia.
“This sum of money has been expended on-site preparation, contractors’ mobilization, US fundraising, consultants, and symposia,” the report noted.
“Public interest dictates that there ought to be value for money in project execution. Unfortunately, this Commission has no expertise to determine whether there has been value for money considering the project remains in the same state.”
The report identified the issue as having the potential to harm Ghana’s reputation, citing the project’s international profile and Ribade Company Ltd’s involvement.
The report warned that procurement law violations could result in international embarrassment.
As part of its recommendation, CHRAJ called for further investigation and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral for their role in awarding the contract in violation of procurement laws.
“The Commission further recommends for further investigation and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral who superintended over the award of the contract to Ribade Company in disregard to Act 663 as amended,” the report added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
