Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo has stressed that public funds must be managed in accordance with Ghana’s constitution, not based on religious teachings. Reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding the National Cathedral project, where the board of trustees consists of clergymen, Domelevo stated that public finances should be governed by the country’s laws, such as the Public Procurement Act and the Internal Audit Act, rather than theology.

Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo has stressed the importance of managing public funds in line with Ghana’s constitution, reiterating that state revenues should not be handled based on religious principles.

Speaking on the ongoing National Cathedral controversy, where the project’s board of trustees consists entirely of clergymen, Domelevo argued that public funds should be governed by legal frameworks, not theology. His comments come amid allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power surrounding the project, which has sparked widespread controversy.

Last month, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) recommended a forensic audit and potential prosecution of the trustees after investigating claims of corruption and misuse of funds linked to the cathedral’s construction.

In a discussion on curbing illicit financial flows at an event in Accra, Domelevo stated, “Unfortunately, the trustees are all men of God, but we don’t manage public funds with the Bible or theology; we manage public funds with the constitution.” He further pointed out that laws such as the Public Procurement Act and the Internal Audit Act should guide the management of state finances, not religious texts.

CHRAJ’s investigation revealed that the board mismanaged GHC2.6 million in funds, for which they could not provide proper accountability. The commission has called for the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of the project, with a view to possible prosecution.

Despite the National Cathedral still being in its early stages, over GHC50 million has already been spent on the project, raising concerns about the financial impact on the state. The cathedral is part of a promise by President Nana Akufo-Addo to build a religious facility in honour of God.

Source:TheDotNews