The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has launched a fierce attack on President Akufo-Addo, accusing him of dishonesty over the National Cathedral’s funding.
Mr Ablakwa alleged that the President misled the public, religious leaders, and even God about where the money for the project was coming from.
Although it was initially promised that no taxpayer money would be used, it has since been revealed that state funds were indeed allocated to the construction, sparking widespread criticism.
During an interview with Selorm Adonoo on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Ablakwa denounced the President’s actions as a serious breach of the Constitution, emphasizing the failure to obtain parliamentary approval for using public money.
“How on earth can you spend $58.1 million to establish the world’s most expensive pit? In the name of building a Cathedral? And the deception, you tell us you won’t use public funds, it’s a private pledge, only for me to start intercepting documents. Apparently, the eminent clergy has been deceived, the Ghanaian people have been deceived and worst of all the Almighty [God] has been deceived.
“I made an RTI request to the Procurement Authority on whether they are aware of this project, and they promptly responded, no, it has not come to their procurement process, and they know nothing about the project.
“I mean unbelievable and shocking levels of lack of accountability, lack of due process, and disregard for our constitution. The constitution is very clear, you cannot spend public funds without parliamentary approval, and all of that, fragrant violence of our Constitution and our laws.”
On July 3, 2024, Abena Osei Asare, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, informed Parliament that GH₵339 million had been allocated to the National Cathedral project.
She detailed that this funding was dedicated to securing the project’s completion by delivering the essential financial resources needed.