CenPOA petitions CHRAJ to probe Akufo-Addo over National Cathedral funds

The Centre for Public Awareness and Opinion (CenPOA) has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate former President Akufo-Addo for allegedly causing financial loss to the state through the National Cathedral project.

The civil society organisation argues that the project was a personal initiative of the former president, with no national interest, and that it resulted in financial loss to the state, contrary to Section 179A of the Criminal and Other Offences Act 29 (1960).

CenPOA contends that although the former president publicly stated that his government would not use state resources for the project, he ultimately committed public funds to it, contradicting his initial claim.

According to the organisation, the use of state resources to fulfill a personal religious vow constitutes an abuse of executive power and a blatant disregard for Ghana’s financial well-being.

CenPOA further highlights concerns over the project’s lack of transparency, citing unaccounted expenditures and questionable procurement processes, which raise suspicions of financial mismanagement and potential corruption.

The organisation is, therefore, calling on CHRAJ to investigate the total amount of public funds allocated to the National Cathedral project and the legality of such expenditures.

They also seek an inquiry into the decision-making process that led to the use of state funds for what was initially declared a privately funded initiative.

Additionally, CenPOA is requesting that CHRAJ determine whether the former president’s actions constitute financial loss to the state under Ghanaian law and accountability measures. They emphasize the need for those responsible for any mismanagement of public funds to face legal consequences.