Deloitte Audit Reveals GHS 4.9 Million Discrepancy in Payments to Adjaye Associates for National Cathedral Project — Ofosu-Kwakye

A GHS 4.9 million discrepancy has been uncovered in consultancy payments made to renowned architect Sir David Adjaye’s firm, Adjaye Associates, for the National Cathedral project, according to revelations by former government spokesperson Felix Ofosu-Kwakye.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ofosu-Kwakye cited findings from a Deloitte audit that showed inconsistencies between reported payments made by the government and the firm’s own financial disclosures.

“The Presidency has confirmed that GHS 113 million was paid to Adjaye’s firm, but the firm itself reports that it received GHS 117.9 million,” Ofosu-Kwakye revealed. “That leaves a discrepancy of GHS 4.9 million that must be explained.”

The audit reportedly formed part of a broader review of spending on the controversial National Cathedral, a flagship but heavily criticized legacy project of the Akufo-Addo administration.

Sir David Adjaye, a globally acclaimed architect and Ghanaian-British national, was contracted as the lead designer of the multi-million-dollar religious edifice. However, the project has faced backlash due to its lack of transparency, ballooning costs, and delays.

Ofosu-Kwakye questioned the oversight mechanisms surrounding the project and called for full accountability, saying, “This is public money. Every pesewa must be accounted for. We demand a public explanation for the difference.”

The National Cathedral Secretariat has not issued a formal response to the allegation, and efforts to reach Adjaye Associates for comment remain ongoing.

This development adds to the growing pressure on the current administration to audit and publish all financial details related to the cathedral, especially in light of economic challenges and public concerns about the project’s relevance and cost.