The National Cathedral project has cost the government more than GH¢339 million, although it has been on hold for some time.
The Finance Minister of State, Abena Osei Asare, confirmed this significant expense in Parliament on Wednesday, July 3.
In response to Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Majority Leader, she was answering an urgent question about the amount of money allotted and spent on the controversial project.
The National Cathedral’s financial records are presently undergoing an audit, stated the Deputy Finance Minister.
The government has released GH¢339 million for the National Cathedral in total thus far. This amount includes GH¢113 million paid directly to the project consultant and GH¢225 million paid to the National Cathedral Secretariat.
“There was a value-for-money audit done on the project in 2021. Also, a statutory audit of the National Cathedral of Ghana accounts by Deloitte Ghana was started in July 2023 and is ongoing.
“Auditors had concluded the audit of the 18-month account ended December 31, 2020. Meanwhile, preparations are in place for the auditors to complete the remaining accounts for the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.”
The project, which commenced in 2020, has been shrouded in controversy from the onset. Its construction has sparked debates across various sectors of society, with arguments ranging from the necessity and timing of such a grandiose structure to the transparency and management of the funds allocated for its development.
