Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has issued a strong call for the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to launch an in-depth investigation into the National Cathedral project, citing significant misuse of public funds and lack of accountability.
“Public funds cannot be managed with the Bible and theology but with the Constitution, the Public Procurement Act, the Internal Audit Act, and the Public Financial Management Act,” Domelevo declared during a multi-stakeholder forum on December 3, organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
The forum was under the theme, “Curbing Illicit Financial Flows Through Accountable Governance – The Role of the Media.”
Domelevo dismissed the notion that the clergymen serving as trustees for the National Cathedral exempt the project from scrutiny under Ghana’s financial management laws.
CHRAJ findings a wake-up call
Domelevo stressed the findings of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which recently investigated the Cathedral project following a petition by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He urged the Attorney-General and the OSP to continue the work initiated by CHRAJ, which recommended a forensic audit and a value-for-money analysis.
“I agree with CHRAJ’s recommendation. If you read Article 218(e) of the 1992 Constitution, it provides that following their investigation, they submit their findings to the Attorney-General for further action,” he explained.
Media urged to stay vigilant
The former Auditor-General also called on the media to intensify efforts in exposing corruption and governance failures.
“Fighting corruption is not simple or pleasant—it is undoubtedly risky. If you are making an impact, corruption and its beneficiaries will fight you with everything they have,” Domelevo warned.
He lamented the state’s failure to uphold Article 35(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates measures to eliminate corrupt practices and abuse of power.
He argued that the state has not only failed to meet this responsibility but has made it easier for perpetrators of corruption to thrive adding, “This is a betrayal of the principles of state policy”
Public funds misapplied
Domelevo drew attention to Auditor-General reports revealing that approximately 60% of the National Cathedral’s allocated funds had been misapplied, including $12 million paid for purposes he described as unjustifiable.
According to him, those monies must be recovered, with interest, and used to benefit the public because it isn’t just about accountability but about justice for the Ghanaian people.
Collaboration and urgency
Expressing hope for unity among accountability institutions, Domelevo urged the Attorney-General and the OSP to work together in recovering misused funds and prosecuting those responsible.
“When I was in office, we achieved progress by working together. I hope the OSP and the Attorney-General adopt a similar approach. Ghana deserves better accountability for the misuse of public funds,” he said.
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