President John Dramani Mahama has mandated a forensic audit into the National Cathedral Project and its Secretariat’s operations, according to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communication. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Jubilee House on July 18, signaling the government’s intent to address financial concerns surrounding the controversial project.
Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the directive, issued to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, includes plans to legally terminate the project’s contract to halt further financial strain on public funds. The decision comes in response to a Deloitte audit report that exposed significant financial discrepancies in the project’s execution.
“The Deloitte report, while revealing, does not fully capture the extent of the Secretariat’s activities or the project’s financial dealings,” Kwakye Ofosu noted. “As a result, the Auditor-General has been tasked with conducting a thorough forensic audit to uncover the full scope of any irregularities.”
The minister emphasized that decisive measures will follow the audit’s completion, addressing any identified misconduct and determining the project’s future. “The Attorney-General is working to terminate the contract in a manner that safeguards the state from additional losses,” he added.
Initially conceived as a landmark to boost faith-based tourism and national pride, the National Cathedral was planned to feature a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, a 350-seater restaurant, a banquet hall, a library, and a conference center. However, the project has faced scrutiny over its financial management and overall viability.
The government’s actions reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability, with the forensic audit expected to provide clarity on the project’s financial dealings and guide future decisions.
