The government has spent over GH¢339 million on the National Cathedral project, which has faced delays recently.
This significant expenditure was disclosed in Parliament on Wednesday, July 3, by Abena Osei Asare, the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.
She was addressing an urgent query raised by Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, seeking clarification on the funds allocated and expended on the controversial project.
Abena Osei Asare also mentioned that the accounts of the National Cathedral are presently undergoing auditing.
The government has released a total of GH¢339 million for the National Cathedral project to date. This includes GH¢225 million disbursed to the National Cathedral Secretariat and GH¢113 million paid directly to the project consultant.
“A value-for-money audit was conducted on the project in 2021. Additionally, Deloitte Ghana commenced a statutory audit of the National Cathedral of Ghana accounts in July 2023, which is ongoing.
“The auditors have completed the audit for the 18-month period ending December 31, 2020. Currently, preparations are underway for the completion of audits for the periods ending December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“The National Cathedral project, initiated in 2020, has been contentious since its inception. Its construction has sparked debates across various sectors of society, questioning the necessity, timing, transparency, and financial management of such a grand project.”