The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has exonerated Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, of allegations regarding possession of multiple identities and criminal dealings. The investigation was initiated following a petition filed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, in January 2023.
Ablakwa’s petition alleged that Rev. Kusi Boateng held two passports with different names—Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and Victor Kusi Boateng—and raised concerns about a conflict of interest in financial dealings involving the National Cathedral project.
However, CHRAJ’s report concluded that Rev. Kusi Boateng holds only one passport under the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi and has never been issued a passport with the name Victor Kusi Boateng.
Financial Transactions Investigated
The petition also flagged a transfer of GH¢2.6 million from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company allegedly linked to Rev. Kusi Boateng under his secondary identity. CHRAJ found that while the transfer occurred, it was a reimbursement for payments made by Rev. Kusi Boateng to contractors working on the National Cathedral. At the time, the National Cathedral Secretariat faced financial difficulties, and the funds were used to cover debts owed to contractors.
Recommendations for Further Action
Despite clearing Rev. Kusi Boateng, CHRAJ identified several governance and procedural lapses in the National Cathedral project and issued recommendations, including:
- Auditor-General Audit:A forensic audit of the National Cathedral project from inception to date to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Investigation of Trustees:Possible investigation and prosecution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees for their role in financial irregularities.
- Contractual Breaches:Cancellation of the construction contract awarded to Ribade Company Limited, citing breaches of the Public Procurement Act. The commission raised suspicions of corruption and corruption-related offences tied to the contract.
Implications
CHRAJ’s findings have significant implications for the management of the National Cathedral project, intensifying calls for accountability in its financing and construction processes. While Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng has been cleared of personal wrongdoing, the broader concerns about governance, procurement, and transparency continue to cloud the controversial project.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
