Probe into Stalled National Cathedral Project Sought Amid Allegations of Mismanagement – Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing North Tongu, has drawn attention to what he sees as a highly reckless approach taken in the execution of the national cathedral project, asserting that Ghanaians should acknowledge this concerning model for a national endeavor.

Ablakwa cited significant demolitions, which included the destruction of the Scholarship Secretariat, passport head office, Judicial Training Institute, and Judges’ bungalows, resulting in the resignation of a prominent Appeal Court judge in protest. He also highlighted the demolition of the Malian ambassador’s residence, noting that pressure from the Malian authorities for a replacement could escalate into a diplomatic dispute.

Speaking during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Ablakwa, along with five other minority members, presented a private member’s motion that called for an investigation into the stalled project, despite an injection of approximately $58 million into its funding. Subsequently, Parliament has taken action by establishing an ad-hoc committee to conduct an inquiry into the National Cathedral project and its associated matters, aiming to provide appropriate recommendations for the consideration of the legislative body.

Ablakwa emphasized that the motive behind the inquiry campaign was to address concerns of mismanagement, irregularities, procurement violations, lack of adherence to law, and conflicts of interest that have surrounded the national cathedral project. He clarified that the intention was not to oppose the concept of a place of worship but rather to address underlying issues in national development priorities.

In response, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, refuted claims that the affected institutions displaced by the cathedral’s construction were not compensated. He asserted that the government had fully compensated these institutions and offered them alternative public lands for the relocation of their operations. Appearing before Parliament, Jinapor highlighted that these institutions, both public and private, have been adequately compensated and have continued their operations in various areas within Accra.