The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for further investigations and potential prosecution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral over the $312,394,049.53 contract awarded to Ribade Company Ltd.
CHRAJ stated that the contract award violated the Public Procurement Act 663, rendering it unlawful. In its report, the Commission recommended additional inquiries and possible legal action against the trustees who oversaw the contract, emphasizing that such violations of procurement laws can tarnish Ghana’s international reputation.
“These breaches of the procurement laws have the potential of courting international embarrassment to the country considering its international status and that of Ribade Company Ltd,” the report noted.
The recommendation followed a petition filed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, seeking an investigation into multiple aspects of the National Cathedral project. His demands included an inquiry into:
– The appointment of contractors without adherence to procurement laws.
– A GHS 2.6 million payment to JNS Talent Centre Ltd.
– Alleged conflicts of interest involving Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, who held dual roles with separate identities as a director of both the National Cathedral project and JNS Talent Centre.
CHRAJ’s report, signed by its Director Joseph Whittal, highlighted inconsistencies, including the Board of Trustees’ failure to secure “concurrent approval by the Central Tender Review Committee,” a key requirement under the Procurement Act.
The report revealed that as of May 31, 2022, over GHS 225.9 million of public funds had been spent on the project, primarily for site preparation, contractors’ mobilization, and fundraising. However, CHRAJ noted it was difficult to assess value for money as the project remains unfinished.
Public discontent over the project escalated in September when heavy rains flooded the site, prompting criticism and protests. Several Board of Trustees members have since resigned, with the project widely mocked as “the most expensive hole in the world.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the report, describing it as “damning,” though he criticized CHRAJ for inadequately addressing allegations of Rev. Kusi-Boateng’s dual identities.
