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Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, has expressed remorse about the participation of well-known pastors in the National Cathedral project. This comes after the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) revealed government deceit regarding the project.
Mr. Ablakwa, who started the CHRAJ inquiry, called the results “explosive and damning.”
Mr. Ablakwa expressed his “pain” for the pastors who were on the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, who are now embroiled in a scandal.
“I am in pain. I feel sorry for the men of God caught in this scandal.I would never wish such a situation upon them. It’s so unfortunate,” he remarked.
According to Ablakwa, the project was undertaken “on the blind side of Parliament and the public,” despite repeated assurances from President Akufo-Addo that public funds would not be used.
Mr Ablakwa blamed the President for the lack of transparency, arguing that had there been open communication and adherence to due process, the current situation could have been avoided.
He disclosed these things during an interview on OTEC FM in Kumasi with Prince Nii Ade(Dok. Cash).
“This could have been avoided if the President had listened to the cries of the people and followed due process.
But he didn’t, and now look at where we are,” he said.
The CHRAJ’s report verified that, in spite of the President’s claims to the contrary, taxpayer funds had indeed been used to fund the National Cathedral, evading appropriate parliamentary supervision.
It has since been disclosed that the project is heavily reliant on public finances, despite its initial presentation as a privately sponsored initiative.
“You recall the President said they were not using public funds.
The results of CHRAJ validated Ablakwa’s worries that taxpayer funds were substantially involved “on the blind side of Parliament and the public,” saying, “This was supposed to be a private project.”
The Auditor-General should perform a forensic audit of the money allotted to the National Cathedral project, per the CHRAJ’s recommendation.
A value-for-money audit was also required to ascertain whether the $58 million invested thus far aligns with the current state of construction.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
