Kofi Bentil, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, has sharply criticized the National Cathedral project, urging the government to prosecute everyone involved in spending taxpayers’ money on the stalled initiative. Despite original assurances it would be privately funded, the government has already spent GH₵339 million (over $58 million) on the project. Bentil calls the initiative a series of lies, deception, and misuse of public resources.
Why This Matters
- The National Cathedral was meant to be a privately financed spiritual monument, yet millions in public funds—including compensation for demolished buildings—have been expended, stirring widespread public outrage.
- Bentil argues the government misled clergy and the public, enriching friends and family while neglecting pressing social needs like education and health services.
Bentil’s Core Criticism
- Started on lies: Bentil asserts that the cathedral project began with false assurances that no state funds would be used. But demolition of judicial and administrative buildings revealed otherwise.
- Misappropriation of scarce resources: Bentil condemned the use of public money to benefit elites, stating: “Christians build churches without looting state funds… we helped the state, not take from it.”
Echoes from Other Oversight Calls
- CHRAJ (Commission on Human Rights & Administrative Justice) recommended a forensic audit and possible prosecution of the Cathedral’s Board of Trustees for procurement violations and abuse of power. The total spending has reached over GHS225 million by mid-2022.
- The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirmed that the National Cathedral project is under investigation, targeting former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and others for suspected corruption and procurement infractions.
- NDC leadership, including Johnson Asiedu Nketia, pledged that if elected, all individuals implicated in the scandal would be prosecuted.
Funds & Audit Status
- GH₵339 million has been spent so far: GH₵225 million to the National Cathedral Secretariat and GH₵113 million to the consulting firm led by architect Sir David Adjaye. Audits by Deloitte Ghana began in mid‑2023 and are ongoing.
- The project remains stalled with no visible progress beyond foundational excavation. Some estimate the total anticipated cost at $400 million, though only a crater exists on the site.
What Happens Next
- Finalization of forensic audits and release of public reports.
- OSP investigations may lead to prosecution if misuse of public funds is confirmed.
- Political implications loom, as political parties weigh in on national trust and accountability.
Kofi Bentil’s call to prosecute all involved reflects growing public demand for accountability over Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project. Initiated with misleading assurances and funded by public coffers, the cathedral embodies misuse of taxpayers’ money and poor governance. As audits and investigations unfold, the pressure builds for justice and transparency.
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