Lawyer for National Cathedral Secretariat Insists Project Must Go On

Legal Counsel for the National Cathedral project, Charles Januah Owusu, has called on the President to lift any perceived hindrances that are obstructing the progress of the controversial project.

Speaking on the status of the National Cathedral, Lawyer Owusu emphasized that the project is not a public entity and does not depend on government funds. He insisted that individuals who believe in the vision of the cathedral should be given the space and freedom to make their voluntary donations.

“The hindrance that is being put in the way of the cathedral must stop, so that those who believe in the cathedral can make their donations”, he stated.

His comments come amidst ongoing national debates and criticism over the use of state resources for the construction of the religious monument. While many have called for transparency and a reevaluation of priorities, proponents argue that the cathedral serves as a unifying symbol of national faith and identity.

Lawyer Owusu’s call appears to be a fresh push for the private sector and faith-based supporters to take full ownership of the project, independent of political or financial controversy.

FORENSIC AUDIT ON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

President john Dramani Mahama ordered a comprehensive forensic audit into the activities of the National Cathedral Secretariat, emphasizing transparency and accountability in managing the contentious project. This follows what government says is adverse findings in an audit report released by Deloitte and Touche.

Addressing a press conference at Jubilee House in Accra, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed that the Secretariat had been dissolved since May 2025.

Additionally, the Attorney General has been directed to initiate legal processes to dissolve the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the project.

Referring to recent findings from the Deloitte and Touche audit report as “damning,” the Minister assured that the report will be publicly available to ensure transparency.

“The audit report reveals troubling discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. for the mobilization and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana. While the Office of the President confirms a total payment of GH¢113,040,564.86 only, the firm reports having received GH¢117,972,656.00 — a variance of GH¢4,932,091.14 that remains unexplained,” he said.

“Payment records show that GH¢87,938,750.00 was paid by the Ministry of Finance between 26th September 2018 and 25th November 2019.

“Subsequently, the Office of the President made two payments: GH¢29,664,845.29 on 19th February 2021 and GH¢369,060.71 on 5th March 2021 — bringing the presidency’s total contribution to GH¢30,033,906.00. Combined, these payments amount to the GH¢117,972,656.00 received by the firm.”

The President further instructed that, following the forensic audit, stringent measures will be implemented if any financial mismanagement or misconduct is uncovered.

The earlier audit, he said, showed: “Difference in payments and outstanding amount owed to the Nehemiah Group.”

“The audit also draws attention to notable discrepancies in the financial transactions between the Government of Ghana and The Nehemiah Group, a consultant on the National Cathedral project.

“According to the Office of the President, a total of $4,281,702.59 has been paid to Nehemiah. However, The Nehemiah Group confirms receipt of $4,341,702.59 — indicating a difference of $60,000 that remains unaccounted for,” he indicated.

“More concerning is the wide variation in the amounts both parties claim are outstanding. While the Office of the President indicates an outstanding balance of $1,851,528.00. The Nehemiah Group states that only $155,616.23 remains unpaid — a difference of nearly $1.7 million.

“These inconsistencies point to significant lapses in contract and payment reconciliation processes, and they call for immediate investigation to uphold transparency and fiscal responsibility,” Mr. Ofosu said.

He indicated that the government remains committed to upholding accountability and that if any impropriety is identified during this audit, the individuals responsible will face legal consequences.

Meanwhile, all existing contracts associated with the Secretariat have been ordered terminated by the Attorney General to protect public funds as investigations continue

Source: channel247online.com/Adjoa Duoduwa Ocansey