Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has accused the leadership of the National Cathedral project of siphoning state funds through unearned salaries.
He alleged that key officials of the project, including Professor Dr. Paul Opoku Mensah, the General Overseer and Executive Secretary, have been drawing substantial monthly salaries despite little to no work being done on the failed National Cathedral project.
Brandishing bank statements, pay slips, and other damning documents on TV3’s Newday, Basintale laid bare what he termed as the ‘stealing in God’s name.’
He presented evidence suggesting that Professor Mensah, among others, has been receiving monthly payments amounting to GH¢21,134.00 from the government as General Overseer and Executive Secretary of the National Cathedral project.
According to him, this salary is paid for a position in which no meaningful work has been performed, given the suspension of the National Cathedral construction in 2022, which has now been reduced to an unfinished “swimming pool” instead of the grand religious edifice promised to the public.
“Every month, the government pays him GH¢21,134.00, for what exactly, nothing,” Basintale asserted, brandishing the documents purportedly from Professor Mensah’s account at ABSA Bank Tamale Branch.
He accused the government of turning a blind eye to these irregularities, stating that despite the overwhelming evidence, no action has been taken to prosecute those involved in the scandal.
“The police have decided not to arrest this man… They have decided not to arrest the galamsey operators causing havoc in this country. They have decided not to arrest ministers and politicians who have stolen monies from the state,” Basintale fumed.
The NDC communications officer’s accusations paint a bleak picture of state-sponsored corruption, where key figures in the National Cathedral project are allegedly lining their pockets while the project remains in shambles.
He condemned the government’s approach to handling such scandals, pointing out the disparity between how regular citizens and high-ranking officials are treated.
He drew comparisons between the arrest of ordinary protesting citizens, such as a pregnant woman and minor, however, despite overwhelming evidence of financial malfeasance against certain government officials they are still roaming free.
Basintale vowed to refer the matter to the Special Prosecutor for a full investigation stating, “From this point, I’m going straight to the Special Prosecutor. I’m going to charge him, and he must be picked up before nightfall,” he declared emphatically.
He also hinted at further revelations in the coming days, claiming that several other officials connected to the project are also receiving payments for no work done.
“There are still about four others who are being paid for no job done under the National Cathedral,” he stated, signalling that this may just be the tip of the iceberg in a broader scandal.
