Prominent anti-corruption advocate Hon. Edem Senanu, and Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption has weighed in on the report concerning the National Cathedral project.
He looked with a critical lens into the findings of the report, considering the recommendations made, and the broader implications for governance in Ghana.
“It is unfortunate; It is disappointing; It is embarrassing. And I don’t know how we got ourselves into this.”
Edem Senanu, Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
The anti-corruption advocate’s reaction underscores the gravity of the issues unearthed in the report, which spans over 200 pages.
Despite its expansiveness, Senanu acknowledged the efforts made to attach necessary documentation and draw clear recommendations.
When asked about the report’s effectiveness in addressing accountability concerns, Mr. Senanu commended its comprehensive nature.
He explained that the inquiry was not limited to financial accounting but extended to evaluating administrative processes. He questioned; “This is to say, did you follow due processes because public funds were involved?”
He highlighted the importance of compliance with established laws and procedures, noting that the report appropriately drew conclusions and made recommendations based on these findings.
One of the key recommendations from the report was for a forensic audit of the project’s financial management. He advised;
“You can look at similar projects in-country, outside the country, and draw certain conclusions as to whether we indeed got value for money.”
For example, you pay GHS 32 million for architectural drawings. Is that value for money? Elsewhere, comparatively, what conclusions do you draw?”
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
Senanu called on the Auditor-General to conduct a detailed value-for-money audit and ensure that public funds were spent judiciously.
Concerns Over Procurement Breaches and Governance
Meanwhile, the procurement breaches that occasioned the award of the National Cathedral Construction Contractor Ribade Company Limited raise reasonable suspicion of corruption and corruption-related offenses.
While acknowledging the need for substantive evidence to establish corruption allegations, Senanu expressed concerns about operational and managerial failures.
“Who were the technical people there? How were they employed? How were they assigned? All of that needs to be uncovered.”
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
These questions, he argued, point to systemic deficiencies in governance and accountability.
Senanu also addressed the role of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees in this National Cathedral Project.
“First of all, I don’t know how we constituted a board without ensuring that there were people with procurement expertise and project management expertise.”
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
As to whether the project is sponsored by public funds, Senanu stated that it requires higher accountability standards. He emphasized;
“They themselves, even if retrospectively, should have sought the expertise of technical people who have the capacity to say, no, once public funds are involved, this is how it should be done.”
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
Exoneration of Reverend Kusi Boateng
On the issue of Reverend Kusi Boateng’s alleged double identity saga, Senanu expressed reservations about the conclusions drawn in the report. He remarked;
“Until I hear Reverend Kusi Boateng himself say he doesn’t have two passports, I have difficulty accepting that part of the CHRAJ report.’’
Hon. Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
While acknowledging that CHRAJ lacked material evidence to proceed further, Senanu noted that public opinion remains skeptical due to the lack of a clear denial from the Reverend.
“So far, there hasn’t been that rigorous, repressed denial that then says, you know, I’m having great difficulty accepting that conclusion.”
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
Reflecting on the broader implications, Senanu called for reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He emphasized the importance of appointing qualified individuals to boards managing public funds.
It tells me that there’s that deficit, especially amongst the clergy handling such issues. It’s not the first time in recent history that we’ve seen clergy appointed and things have happened that just make all of us feel very embarrassed.”
Appointing such boards must have the necessary technical competencies, and we have to check what happened at the management level.
Edem Senanu Anti- Corruption Campaigner & Chair of the Citizens’ Movement Against Corruption
Hon. Edem Senanu’s reflections on the National Cathedral report underscore the need for greater accountability, transparency, and competence in public projects.
He urged stakeholders, including the Auditor-General and governance bodies, to take decisive action to address the systemic issues identified.
According to Mr. Senanu, the report, with its far-reaching implications, is a reminder of the critical importance of integrity and governance in national development.
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