The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticized the handling of the National Cathedral project, describing it as “hazy, sleazy, and very corrupt.”
His remarks came in response to the recent announcement by the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei Asare, that GH¢339 million has been allocated for the project.
According to Asare, the funds were committed to ensure the project’s necessary financing, and audits by institutions such as Deloitte Ghana indicated that there had been value for money.
However, during an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight, Mr. Ablakwa argued that the project lacks proper accountability and has seen little progress despite the substantial investment. He emphasized that the project remains stalled and shrouded in ambiguity and corruption.
Ablakwa further criticized the Minister of State for failing to confirm whether the project had undergone the required procurement process before the release of the GH¢339 million.
He also disputed her claims of value for money, pointing out contradictions with former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s assertion that no budget allocation was made for the project and that funds were taken from the contingency vault.
“The National Cathedral project continues to be very hazy, sleazy and totally corrupt. A project with massive diversions and lack of accountability in a very grave manner,” he said.
In November 2022, Ken Ofori-Atta had denied allegations that he used money from the Consolidated Fund to finance the National Cathedral project, clarifying that the funds came from the Contingency Vault, not the Contingency Fund. He asserted that all disbursements were lawful and approved by Parliament’s Finance Committee.