Bright Simons, the vice president of IMANI Africa, has cast a spotlight on the troubling findings of an ongoing audit into the construction of the National Cathedral of Ghana. In a revealing post on X, Simons shared insights from sources close to the audit conducted by Deloitte, suggesting a grim outlook for the project’s financial management.
Audit Revelations: Stakeholder Response
According to Simons, Deloitte, a renowned auditing firm, was taken aback by the severe irregularities encountered at the onset of its investigation. The audit, which began in March 2023, unearthed a concerning lack of internal controls and the absence of basic procedural manuals essential for sound financial governance. These findings, as per Simons’ sources, indicate that the financial statements concerning the cathedral are either misleading or fail to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles. The implication of such deficiencies is a likely adverse audit opinion, a scenario far removed from the clean bill of health initially hoped for by stakeholders.
The gravity of the situation has prompted discussions among key figures involved in the cathedral project, including the presidency, the Ministry responsible, and the National Cathedral Secretariat. Simons alleges that there is now an effort to “manage” the fallout given that achieving a clean or unqualified audit report is no longer feasible. The urgency of these discussions reflects the stakeholders’ awareness of the potential repercussions of the audit findings on public trust and the project’s integrity. This development comes in the wake of resignations from two notable members of the Board of Trustees, Rev Eastwood Anaba and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, who stepped down over concerns related to the secretariat’s handling of the audit process and transparency issues.
Public Scrutiny Intensifies
The Board of Trustees announced in January 2023 its decision to engage Deloitte for the audit, following public outcry over allegations of misappropriation of funds. This move was seen as a step towards restoring confidence in the management of the cathedral’s finances. However, the recent revelations from Simons raise critical questions about the effectiveness of this measure and the broader implications for governance and accountability in public projects. As the public eagerly awaits the official audit report, the revelations underscore the importance of transparency and sound financial practices in safeguarding the integrity of significant national projects.
Amidst the swirling controversies, the situation surrounding the National Cathedral of Ghana serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing governance and financial accountability in public projects. As stakeholders grapple with the findings and strategize on the path forward, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the unfolding narrative, hopeful for a resolution that restores faith in the project and its leadership.
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