The Government has uncovered financial irregularity involving consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. in connection with the design and mobilisation works for the controversial National Cathedral project.
According to a recently reviewed audit report presented by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, there exists an unexplained variance of GH₵ 4,932,091.14 between official records and the firm’s reported receipts.
While the Office of the President maintains that a total of GH₵ 113,040,564.86 was disbursed, Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. reports having received GH₵ 117,972,656.00.
While the Office of the President confirms a total payment of GHS 113,040,564.86 only, the firm reports having received GHS 117,972,656.00 — a variance of GHS 4,932,091.14 that remains unexplained,” he said.
The payments comprised GH₵ 87,938,750.00 from the Ministry of Finance between 26th September 2018 and 25th November 2019, and two subsequent transfers from the Office of the President—GH₵ 29,664,845.29 on 19th February 2021 and GH₵ 369,060.71 on 5th March 2021—totalling GH₵ 30,033,906.00.
Together, these figures align with the firm’s declared total, yet the variance remains unexplained in the government’s official records.
“Payment records show that GHS 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: GHS 29,664,845.29 on 19th February 2021 and GHS 369,060.71 on 5th March 2021 — bringing the presidency’s total contribution to GHS 30,033,906.00. Combined, these payments amount to the GHS 117,972,656.00 received by the firm,” the Minister disclosed.
This revelation forms part of a broader set of troubling findings in the audit, which point to weak financial oversight, procurement breaches, and governance lapses within the National Cathedral Secretariat.
The project, which was a promise by former President Akufo-Addo to build a national cathedral in honour of God upon assuming office in 2017, has remained a dream despite efforts to mobilise funds locally and internationally.
Currently stalled at the foundation stage, the project has failed to reach completion following revelations of corruption, conflict of interest, and the questionable use of public funds.
Credit: Albert Kuzor
