GH339 million Spent on National Cathedral Project Since 2020 Deputy Finance Minister Confirms

Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei Asare has disclosed that government has, since 2020, spent a total of three hundred and thirty-nine million Ghana cedis (GHcent; 339m) on the National Cathedral project.

The project, which comes off as a personal commitment to God by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo- Addo, when he was re-elected President in 2020, is at a standstill following several obstacles.

The colossal amount of money spent was confirmed in parliament on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 during a parliamentary session where the deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei Asare was told by the deputy Majority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, to give clarity on the funds allocated and spent on the controversial project.

According to Abena Osei-Asare, the National Cathedral’s accounts are currently being audited and in due course, the audit report will be ready.

“The total releases made for the National Cathedral by the government to date remain at GHcent;339 million. This figure comprises GHcent;225 million paid to the National Cathedral Secretariat, and GHcent;113 million paid directly to the project consultant.

“There was a value-for-money audit done on the project in 2021. Also, a statutory audit of the National Cathedral of Ghana accounts by Deloitte Ghana was started in July 2023 and is ongoing.

“Auditors had concluded the audit of the 18-month account ended December 31, 2020. Meanwhile, preparations are in place for the auditors to complete the remaining accounts for the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.”

The construction of the National Cathedral sparked debates across various sectors of society, with arguments ranging from the requirement and timing of such a grandiose structure to the transparency and management of the funds allocated for its development.

Key revelations have been made and wild allegations have also been to that effect by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has, so far, been playing the oversight role as far as the government businesses and public businesses are concerned.

Kobina Darlington/