An ongoing audit of the National Cathedral, led by consulting, financial advisory, Deloitte, has exposed a disconcerting absence of internal controls and basic manuals, according tothe Vice President of Imani Afric, Bright Simons.
He alleged that the audit, which commenced a year ago, aimed to assess the financial and operational aspects of the prestigious National Cathedral project.
However, the findings reported by Mr Simons indicate a glaring lack of fundamental structures necessary for effective governance.
“Sources say that upon commencing an audit of Ghana’s National Cathedral, Deloitte was met with a shocking lack of internal controls & the absence of even basic manuals. It is now 1 year since the exercise began. Sources say the right opinion should be adverse, not even qualified,” he wrote.
Sources say that upon commencing an audit of Ghana's National Cathedral, Deloitte was met with a shocking lack of internal controls & the absence of even basic manuals. It is now 1 year since the exercise began. Sources say the right opinion should be adverse, not even qualified.
— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) March 4, 2024
The National Cathedral project has faced controversies and opposition, with some arguing its relevance amid Ghana’s economic challenges.
Despite public opposition, President Akufo-Addo has consistently expressed his determination to proceed with the cathedral’s construction.
In response to recent issues surrounding the project, the Board of Trustees decided in January to subject it to a “normal statutory audit.”
A proposal from the Minority caucus suggested that the project and all related issues be investigated by a committee.
In that regard the audit firm, Deloitte, that registered the National Cathedral, was engaged to conduct the audit.
The committee was tasked with making appropriate recommendations for Parliament’s consideration. The Chairman of the Board, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, mentioned, “The Board is already in discussions to engage Deloitte, which accepted to be the auditors when the National Cathedral was registered, to commence the normal statutory audit”.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Kusi Boateng, has been accused by Okudzeto Ablakwa of having multiple identities and receiving 2.6 million cedis without performing any work.