Domelovo calls for Probe into National Cathedral Funding
A former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelovo, has urged the current Auditor-General to launch an investigation into the use of funds allocated for Ghana's National Cathedral project.
This call comes amid concerns over potential breaches in the release of funds and procurement processes.
The National Cathedral project, valued at $400 million, aims to create a sacred space for formal religious activities and national events. However, the project has faced criticism over its funding and prioritization, with some arguing that the funds could be better allocated towards addressing Ghana's pressing development challenges.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended a forensic audit into the project's funding, citing discrepancies in the construction process and concerns over the transfer of GH₵2.6 million to JNS Talent Centre Limited, one of the firms involved in the project.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, November 25, Domelovo emphasized the need for parliamentary approval or authorization by law for the use of consolidated funds, citing Article 178 of the Constitution. He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that requires the Auditor-General to disallow and surcharge expenditures that violate the law.
“You cannot use consolidated fund unless it is a charge on appropriation, by supplementary act or an appropriation act. It must be approved by Parliament. Clause 2 says that even if it is not from the consolidated fund, that is any other fund, it must be authorized by the Act which established that fund.
“So we need to see that there is a law permitting the use of audit funds for the cathedral. Was it in an appropriate, a subsidiary that must be established beyond doubt,” he stressed.
“So, I think it is in order that the Attorney General goes deep into it, find out where there are any breaches or infractions of the law in the cause of the use of the money, especially the release of the money from the consolidated fund, whether the Minister of Finance breached it, he may have to be held accountable. If he didn't breach it, that the procurement process was breached by the trustees, then, unfortunately, they are men of God, but public funds, they must be held accountable,” he added.
Source: Lead News Online
