The Office of Special Prosecutor says it has commenced an investigation into corruption and corruption-related offences in connection with the National Cathedral Project.
In its half-year report for the period of July to December 2024, the OSP announced that following the conclusion of an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on November 22, 2024, it started investigating the matter.
The report revealed that an investigation into complaints of allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and infringement of the code of conduct for public officers in respect of the construction of the National Cathedral is currently underway.
It said CHRAJ referred the matter to the OSP to investigate if it is necessary.
“The OSP deeming it necessary has commenced an investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement of contractors and materials; payments by a former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Yaw Ofori-Atta; payments by the National Cathedral Secretariat; and the activities regarding the construction of the National Cathedral,” it added.
CHRAJ in 2024 recommended a forensic audit of the National Cathedral project and the prosecution of its trustees, following an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power.
The report and its contents were released following the conclusion of an investigation into a petition initiated by a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who raised concerns about the project’s transparency and compliance with Ghana’s procurement laws.
Among other things, CHRAJ discovered significant violations of Ghana’s procurement regulations, particularly in awarding the construction contract to Ribade Company Ltd.
According to the report, the contract was “void ab initio” due to non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act (Act 663, as amended by Act 914).
CHRAJ recommended to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to cancel the contract.
The Commission asked the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of the project.
It emerged that as of May 31, 2022, a total of GHS225,962,500.00 had been spent, covering site preparation, contractor mobilisation, fundraising in the United States, consultancy fees, and symposia.
However, CHRAJ noted that the project remains incomplete, raising concerns about value for money.
CHRAJ went on to recommend 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.
Read the full report below
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
