The site designated for the construction of Ghana's National Cathedral has been returned to the government. This decision comes as the Attorney-General reviews a forensic audit into the project's expenditures. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced that the contractor has been instructed to formally hand over the site to his ministry. The ministry will maintain control until the government decides on the project's future.
According to Minister Ayariga, the next steps for the project will be determined after the Attorney-General completes the review of the forensic audit. The audit focuses on expenditures related to the initial plans for the National Cathedral under President Akufo-Addo. The government's position is that the property belongs to the state, which led to the decision to take back the site. Minister Ayariga emphasized that the site's return to the Ministry of Local Government is pending further directives from the federal government.
The development follows the government's decision not to allocate additional public funds for the National Cathedral's construction. As a result, the National Cathedral Board of Trustees has been dissolved. Members of the board have been formally notified of the decision, as the board is no longer needed due to the government's stance on not continuing to finance the construction. Minister Ayariga confirmed that he has sent letters to board members informing them of their dissolution.
Minister Ayariga stated that the government will await the Attorney-General's advice before deciding the project's future and the site's use. Currently, the Board of Trustees stands dissolved, and the site reverts to the Ministry of Local Government. The government's decision to halt funding for the National Cathedral was a significant factor in the site's return and the board's dissolution.
The National Cathedral project has been a subject of discussion and controversy. The government's decision to review the project's expenditures and halt funding reflects a shift in priorities or a reevaluation of the project's viability. The Attorney-General's review of the forensic audit is expected to shed light on the project's financial aspects and guide future decisions.
The site's return to government control and the dissolution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees mark a significant change in the project's status. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs will oversee the site until further notice. The government's future plans for the site and the National Cathedral project remain uncertain, pending the Attorney-General's advice.
The situation surrounding the National Cathedral project continues to evolve. Key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, are working to determine the project's future. The government's commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in the review of the project's expenditures and the decision to halt funding.
Key points
- The National Cathedral site has been returned to the Ghanaian government as the Attorney-General reviews a forensic audit into project expenditures.
- The government has decided not to allocate additional public funds for the National Cathedral's construction.
- The National Cathedral Board of Trustees has been dissolved due to the government's decision to halt funding for the project.
