President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a comprehensive forensic audit into the National Cathedral Project and the operations of its Secretariat, following disturbing revelations of financial misconduct.
Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, made the announcement during a press briefing at Jubilee House on Friday, July 18. He revealed that the President had directed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to take immediate steps to initiate the audit and begin the legal process of terminating the project’s contract.
“Despite the damning findings contained in the Deloitte audit report, it does not cover the full scope of operations of the National Cathedral Secretariat and the project itself. The Auditor-General has therefore been requested to commission a forensic audit into the National Cathedral Project and the activities of the Secretariat,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He said the President’s directive follows troubling concerns raised in the Deloitte audit, which uncovered “serious financial irregularities” in how the project has been executed thus far.
“The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice is taking steps to ensure the lawful termination of the contract to prevent further costs and losses to the state. After the forensic audit, decisive action will be taken regarding any impropriety determined and the future of the project itself,” he added.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the government would act decisively after the audit is concluded, ensuring accountability for any financial mismanagement and determining the project’s fate based on the audit’s findings.
The National Cathedral, once touted as a grand religious and cultural landmark, was originally envisioned to house a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, banquet hall, 350-seater restaurant, library, and conference centre. It was designed to serve as both a monument of national faith and a hub for religious tourism.
But public discontent has grown over the lack of transparency and spiraling costs surrounding the project. The President’s directive now signals a critical turning point in efforts to restore public confidence and safeguard national resources.
