The Ghanaian government has disclosed that it has spent a substantial amount, over GH¢339 million, on the National Cathedral project since its inception in 2020, despite the project being temporarily stalled.
Abena Osei Asare, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, demonstrated the government’s commitment to transparency by revealing this substantial expenditure during a session in Parliament on Wednesday, July 3. She was addressing an urgent query raised by Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy Majority Leader, seeking transparency regarding the financial allocations and expenditures related to the controversial project.
According to Minister Abena Osei Asare, the funds disbursed include GH¢225 million directed to the National Cathedral Secretariat and an additional GH¢113 million paid directly to the project consultant. She clarified that audits are currently underway to scrutinize the National Cathedral’s financial management.
“The total releases made for the National Cathedral by the government to date remain at GH¢339 million,” stated Minister Abena Osei Asare. She further elaborated that a value-for-money audit was conducted in 2021, and ongoing statutory audits by Deloitte Ghana have commenced since July 2023, covering financial accounts up to December 31, 2020. She assured that plans are underway to extend these audits to subsequent years, encompassing 2021, 2022, and 2023, to keep the public informed about the financial management of the National Cathedral.
The National Cathedral project, a subject of extensive debate and scrutiny since its inception, has sparked widespread discussions questioning the necessity, timing, and transparency surrounding the utilization of public funds for such a monumental construction endeavor.
Source:newsghana.com.gh