The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has uncovered significant breaches in the procurement processes associated with the National Cathedral project in Ghana, suggesting a “reasonable suspicion of corruption.” This finding emerged from a ruling related to a case brought forth by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who accused the project’s administrators of engaging in various corrupt practices and violating constitutional provisions. Issued on July 23, 2024, CHRAJ’s ruling did not substantiate the claims of corruption; however, it highlighted procedural deficiencies severe enough to warrant further scrutiny and investigation, indicating a potential risk for corrupt activities stemming from these irregularities.
In its report, CHRAJ clarified that while no concrete instances of corruption were identified, the procedural lapses noted raised significant concerns. These irregularities could foster an environment where corruption might thrive, thus igniting alarm over the operational integrity of the project. The Commission pointed out, “Although the Commission has not found any element of corruption in this case, the extent of the breaches raises reasonable suspicion of corruption.” This statement underscores the potential for improprieties underlying the management of the National Cathedral project, with CHRAJ acknowledging the broader implications of such lapses in governance and accountability.
To address the findings, CHRAJ has referred the matter to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or the Attorney-General for thorough investigation and potential prosecution. This referral specifically targets the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, particularly those members who were involved during the awarding of the contract to Ribade Company Limited in 2021. The move underscores the seriousness with which CHRAJ is treating the procedural violations, as it seeks to ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken against those who may be implicated in wrongdoing.
The mandate of the OSP, as clarified by CHRAJ, includes investigating and prosecuting offenses related to corruption as aligned with the Public Procurement Act. This legal framework is crucial in ensuring accountability in public contracts and spending, particularly given public sector projects like the National Cathedral, which can attract significant scrutiny due to their size and funding. CHRAJ’s recommendations signal a proactive approach towards accountability, illustrating the necessity of enforcing ethical standards in public administration to maintain public trust.
Moreover, the CHRAJ report specifically names several individuals for investigation, including prominent figures such as Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle, Most Rev. Bishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, and Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey. The Executive Director of the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, has also been mentioned in this context. By naming these individuals, CHRAJ emphasizes that high-ranking officials within the project’s governance structure are not above scrutiny, thereby reinforcing the principle that accountability applies universally, irrespective of status.
In conclusion, the CHRAJ ruling marks a significant moment in the quest for transparency and integrity in Ghana’s public procurement landscape. Although the Commission did not find outright corruption, the identification of procedural irregularities necessitates a comprehensive investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. This case serves as a broader reminder of the importance of rigorous compliance with procurement processes and the potential consequences of failing to uphold accountability in public projects. By taking these measures, Ghana aims to strengthen its commitment to good governance and reduce the risk of corruption in significant public spending endeavors.
