The Chairperson of the newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has vowed to prioritise investigations into the controversial National Cathedral project as part of the team’s mandate to recover funds lost to corruption.
Speaking to Evans Mensah on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he stressed that the inclusion of the saga in ORAL’s work was non-negotiable due to its glaring irregularities and the substantial public interest surrounding the matter.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described it as “a betrayal of the country” if the National Cathedral scandal is not subjected to scrutiny.
“This is a glaring matter. With all the enormous public interest and how much of our resources—over $58 million—has gone into this project, it would be unthinkable not to investigate it.
“This does not even include the private donations or the compensation paid to those whose properties were demolished,” he stated.
The National Cathedral project, which was initiated by the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration, has been mired in controversy, with critics labelling it a misuse of public funds.
The Minority in Parliament has described it as “the most expensive pit” in Ghana’s history, pointing to the lack of tangible progress despite significant financial outlays.
The North Tongu MP said the ORAL Team’s work on the National Cathedral would build on an existing report by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
“CHRAJ has already written to the Attorney General and the Office of Special Prosecutor, attaching their findings on the matter. Our role will be to emphasize what has already been uncovered and go further,” he explained.
He highlighted the need for a forensic audit of the project. “We need to follow the money. Let’s know where it all ended. Clearly, $58 million cannot be accounted for based on the work done on the ground,” the legislator said.
Mr Ablakwa pointed to several figures and transactions that warrant investigation.
“For instance, someone like Cary Summers in the United States is keeping $6 million of our money. David Adjaye has also been accused of inflationary pricing. How do we retrieve some of our money from these individuals and entities?” he queried.
He added, “The rest of the funds—how were they spent? What did they pay for? These are questions that must be answered. Many Ghanaians are looking forward to closure on this matter.”
Mr Ablakwa stated that the public’s demand for transparency and accountability was a driving force behind the ORAL Team’s commitment to investigating the National Cathedral.
“Ghanaians want closure. They want to know how their resources were used and whether those resources can be recovered. It is our responsibility to provide those answers,” he said.
He assured the public of the ORAL Team’s determination to do the necessary work.
“Rest assured, we will follow through.
