A recent audit report on the National Cathedral project has raised eyebrows over alleged irregularities in expenditure, including a notable payment of $108,000 for rent for the Board Secretary between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. The audit, conducted by Deloitte & Touche, highlights several discrepancies and questionable transactions.
Key Findings:
– Rent Payment: The $108,000 rent payment for the Board Secretary’s accommodation has sparked concerns over the project’s financial management.
– Consultancy Fees: Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. was paid GHS 15.7 million before contract approval, and prior to PPA clearance of a GHS 5.85 million contract, violating procurement procedures.
– Donation Records: GHS 38.2 million in mobile money transactions couldn’t be reconciled due to failed or unverified transfers, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
– Unsupported Expenditures: GHS 292,681 out of GHS 349,847 lacked documentation, and a GHS 117,180 payment to the Board Secretary for accommodation lacked justification or documentation.
– Contractual Discrepancies: The Nehemiah Group received $523,521.03 after their one-year contract expired, and $110,630.56 was spent on failed fundraising events in Houston and New York.
Government Action:
In response to the audit findings, the government has taken decisive action, including dissolving the National Cathedral Secretariat and initiating legal steps to dissolve the Board of Trustees. The Attorney-General has been tasked with conducting a forensic audit into the project and Secretariat’s activities.
The government’s move aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the management of public resources. The National Cathedral project, initially estimated to cost $58 million, has ballooned to $97 million, with an additional $39 million owed to the contractor.