President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Attorney-General to conduct a forensic audit into the controversial National Cathedral Project and the operations of its Secretariat.

The announcement was made by Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu during a press briefing at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, 18 July.

The directive follows a recent Deloitte and Touche audit report, which revealed significant financial irregularities linked to the project. However, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the Deloitte review did not cover the full scope of activities at the Secretariat, prompting the need for a more detailed investigation.

“The Auditor-General has been requested to commission a forensic audit into the National Cathedral Project and the activities of the Secretariat,” he said.

He added that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, is also working to lawfully terminate the contract to avoid further financial losses to the state.

“After the forensic audit, decisive action will be taken regarding any impropriety identified and the future of the project itself,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.

The National Cathedral was originally conceived as a religious and cultural landmark featuring a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, library, banquet hall, 350-seater restaurant, and a conference centre. The project was also intended to boost faith-based tourism and serve as a symbol of national pride.

But delays, cost overruns, and transparency concerns have plagued the initiative, with critics questioning the use of public funds and oversight mechanisms.

The Secretariat overseeing the project has since been dissolved, with further government action expected once the forensic audit is completed.

Source:TheDotNews