The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that Parliament is actively preparing for a thorough public inquiry into the National Cathedral matter, following his recent exposé.
The delay in initiating the inquiry, according to Mr Ablakwa, is a result of the Majority’s failure to provide the names for the committee tasked with investigating the complexities surrounding the National Cathedral project.
In his appearance on the Good Morning Ghana show on December 22, Ablakwa expressed contentment with Parliament’s acknowledgment and deliberation on his motion related to the National Cathedral.
He voiced optimism about significant activity in January, as the public inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the National Cathedral project begins to take shape.
Ablakwa emphasized the importance of addressing what he considers a messy situation concerning the cathedral.
Since the government’s announcement of the decision to construct the national cathedral, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been an outspoken critic of the project.
His primary argument revolves around the belief that, given Ghana’s current needs and economic challenges, a national cathedral is unnecessary.
Instead, he advocates redirecting the allocated funds towards improving the lives and living conditions of Ghanaians.
Mr Ablakwa’s investigation, made public on January 11, 2023, uncovered several key findings related to the National Cathedral project:
- Millions Diverted to Inexperienced Companies: Documents revealed that millions of taxpayer funds were allocated to JNS Talent Centre Ltd, a company with no construction track record, raising concerns about the use of public funds.
- Nepotism in Contract Awards: Ablakwa alleged that the contracts for the construction of the national cathedral might have been awarded based on ‘family and friends’ connections. Notably, JNS Talent Centre Ltd, which received GH¢2.6 million, is linked to Rev. Johannes Eshun, the spiritual son and branch pastor of Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, the secretary to the Cathedral Board of Trustees.
- Questionable Allocation of Funds: Ablakwa exposed the allocation of GH¢28.2 million of taxpayers’ money to Cary Summers, CEO of Nehemiah Group, for ‘coordination,’ despite the company’s limited success in raising funds over the past three years.
The revelations have sparked widespread concern and scrutiny, with calls for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds allocated to the National Cathedral project.