Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that a recent audit of the National Cathedral project has uncovered significant procurement breaches and financial irregularities.
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the audit—conducted by Deloitte—covered the operations of the National Cathedral Secretariat between December 2021 and December 2023.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, the Minister highlighted discrepancies in contract values, unapproved expenditures, and questionable payments made to international contractors and consultants.
“Between 26th September 2018 and 7th June 2019, a total of GHS 15,738,750 was paid to Sir David Adjaye well before the formal agreement was signed on 20th August 2019,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He further noted that the audit exposed a lack of transparency in procurement processes, including payments made without prior approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
“This payment also preceded the approval of the contract sum of GHS 5,850,000 by the Public Procurement Authority, raising red flags about non-compliance with established procurement protocols,” he added.
“These actions represent a clear breach of procurement procedures as outlined in Section 40(1) and (2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended by Act 914, and raise serious concerns about transparency, value for money, and adherence to due process in the award and execution of public contracts.
“Portions of the total contract value—specifically the mobilisation fee of USD 1,500,000 and a use/aftercare component of USD 1,187,500—were included in the payment schedule but lack any detailed breakdown or explanation of their composition,” he added.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also disclosed that the Auditor-General has been tasked to carry out a forensic audit to uncover any additional financial improprieties.
He further indicated that the Attorney-General is taking steps to terminate the contract in order to prevent further losses to the state.
Source: Adomonline.com
ALSO READ:
