The National Cathedral project, a contentious venture that has stirred debates in Ghana, could face a dramatic transformation if Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, emerges victorious in the December 7 presidential election. This was disclosed by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, who highlighted plans for a forensic audit and a redesign of the project under a Bawumia-led administration.
Speaking on Key Points on November 30, Dr. Boakye Danquah suggested that the project’s scale might be reduced significantly. “I have traveled a bit and seen basilicas and cathedrals. They are all not of such huge nature. I can say that if Bawumia wins the election, the national cathedral project will be reconceptualized into something smaller,” he said. He further assured that transparency would guide the process, adding, “It is not my call to make whether the project should go on or not, but as Ghanaians and public servants, it is important that we are transparent and let Ghanaians know how we have used their funds.”
The project, which has stalled for over 30 months, came under fresh criticism from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu. Speaking on the same platform, Mr. Ablakwa called for an immediate halt to the payment of salaries to the Board of Trustees overseeing the project. “The continuous payment of salary to the National Cathedral Board must stop. I don’t expect them to see their November salary. A project which has come to a halt for 38 months and the board is receiving a salary?” he questioned.
The MP also demanded a refund of the $58 million spent on the project, citing findings from a recent report by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). “The $58 million, we must demand a refund of our money because we can’t spend $58 million on an illegality,” Mr. Ablakwa insisted. He described the CHRAJ report as “explosive, damning, staggering,” with far-reaching consequences for the individuals and institutions involved.
CHRAJ’s investigation into the National Cathedral project revealed significant violations of procurement laws. The report noted that a total of $312,394,049.53 had been paid to Ribade Company Ltd for the project, but the contract was deemed illegal due to non-compliance with Ghana’s Public Procurement Act (Act 663). The Commission has called for the cancellation of the contract and recommended further investigations and possible prosecution of the Board of Trustees.
“Having found that the contract awarded to Ribade Company Ltd is void ab initio for being entered into contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Procurement Act, Act 663 as amended by Act 914, the Commission also recommends that the Board of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) should intervene to cancel the contract,” CHRAJ stated.
The report also highlighted concerns about the potential international embarrassment arising from these breaches, given the global standing of the involved parties.
The National Cathedral, envisioned as a monument to honour God, has been a divisive issue since its inception. Critics argue that the project disregards widespread public opposition and lacks adequate funding from promised sources, leaving taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The project has stalled due to insufficient financial support from private donors and institutions, further fueling public frustration.
As political stakeholders debate its future, the National Cathedral remains emblematic of broader concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability in Ghana. The proposed overhaul under a potential Bawumia administration could mark a pivotal moment for the project, but the unresolved controversies continue to loom large.