Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the government of underreporting the amount of money spent on the national cathedral project.
The Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei Asare, confirmed in Parliament on Wednesday, July 3, that the government has spent more than GH¢339 million on the National Cathedral project, which has been stalled for some time.
She responded to an urgent query raised by the Deputy Majority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, seeking clarification on the funds allocated and expended on the contentious project.
The Deputy Finance Minister also mentioned that the accounts of the National Cathedral are currently undergoing audit.
“The total releases made for the National Cathedral by the government to date remain at GH¢339 million. This figure comprises GH¢225 million paid to the National Cathedral Secretariat, and GH¢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.”
But according to Mr Ablakwa, the figure revealed by the Minister does not reflect the true picture on the ground.
In a post on X, he claimed that GHS379million has been spent.
He noted that the Minister stated that GHS33,444,704.74 was raised in Ghana and US$427,701 was raised in the US.
However, he says the US figure is significantly different from what was declared to US tax authorities.
“That notwithstanding, we would have to add these private donations to the taxes illegally withdrawn for the project in order to have a more accurate picture. Tax Withdrawals — GHS339,003,064.86 Private Donations (Ghana) — GHS33,444,704.74 Private Donations (USA) — US$427,701.00,” he added.
The National Cathedral project, which began in 2020, has been surrounded by controversy from the outset. Its construction has sparked debates across various sectors of society, focusing on the necessity and timing of such a large-scale structure, as well as concerns regarding the transparency and management of allocated funds.
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