Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has criticised the reported $21 million allocated to Sir David Adjaye and Associates for design services for the National Cathedral project.
Speaking on JoyNews’s current affairs programme: “Newsfile”, Mr Bentil raised concerns over the sole-sourcing of contracts and the overall expenditure on the project, especially considering Ghana’s pressing infrastructure needs.
His comments follow the release of the audited accounts for the National Cathedral, which, despite claims from the now-defunct National Cathedral Secretariat that the report vindicated them of financial malfeasance, highlighted procurement breaches.
The report revealed that payments were made prior to contracts being approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Mr Bentil said even with a reduction from an initial quote of $23.75 million, the $21 million paid for architectural designs remained excessive for a country grappling with fundamental challenges like inadequate water supply to its capital city.
He questioned the rationale behind sole-sourcing the project, asking why Sir David Adjaye was the only architect considered.
He reiterated the Architects Association’s previous concerns over Sir Adjaye not being registered to practice in Ghana, stressing that that issue required government attention.
The Vice President of the policy think tank urged the Government to expedite accountability measures, ensuring that all funds used for the National Cathedral were thoroughly accounted for.
“Every individual spending public money must be prepared to justify their expenditures to prevent exposing financial loss to the state,” he said.
Mr. Bentil re-emphasised long-standing concerns regarding the involvement of religious leaders in the project, given that it was a personal commitment by former President Akufo-Addo.
He criticised religious leaders who supported the project despite what he perceived as “ethical concerns”.
“They will never be forgotten, they will never be forgiven by history for their role in a project that allegedly cost this country almost $100 million, broke down buildings, and left a hole,” he stated.
Mr Bentil, while applauding the National Democratic Congress-led Administration’s decision to dissolve the Cathedral Secretariat, cautioned that the process must be meticulously executed to avoid problems.
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