Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chairperson of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, has sharply criticized the spending on Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project, calling it an “expensive pit of deceit.”
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah, Ablakwa accused the project’s backers of financial mismanagement and deception. His comments focus on the use of public funds, the involvement of the clergy, and the accountability of key figures such as President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Ablakwa claimed the National Cathedral was initially presented to Ghanaians and the clergy as a privately funded initiative, only for public funds to later be used without parliamentary approval, breaching the country’s Constitution. He also accused President Akufo-Addo of misleading both the public and the project’s board of trustees.
“I have done extensive work on this project, intercepted numerous documents, and I am convinced that many clergy members were misled,” he said, referring to evidence he claims to have uncovered, including documents from the Finance Ministry showing unapproved withdrawals of public funds.
Ablakwa also expressed sympathy for the clergy members who initially served on the board, such as Dag Heward-Mills, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, and Eastwood Anaba, asserting that they were excluded from key decisions. He emphasized that their resignation letters confirmed their lack of involvement in the misuse of funds.
“I have seen overwhelming evidence that President Akufo-Addo was not candid with these eminent clergy,” he said. “They were misled into believing the project was being privately funded.”
The ORAL chairperson called for accountability from those responsible, specifically targeting President Akufo-Addo and Ofori-Atta for their roles in the financial impropriety. He also singled out Victor Kusi Boateng, accusing him of engaging in “double identity criminality.”
The National Cathedral project, which has faced intense scrutiny since its inception, was initially presented as a symbol of unity and faith. However, it has become a focal point for criticism due to its lack of transparency and questionable use of public funds.
Ablakwa reiterated that the ORAL team would continue to investigate the project and called for a forensic audit to determine how public funds have been spent. “We need closure on this matter,” he said. “Clearly, $58 million cannot reflect what is on the ground.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in governance. “We owe it to Ghanaians to follow the money and hold those who betrayed the public trust accountable,” he said.
Source:TheDotNews