The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, along with some NDC MPs, took part in the ‘commissioning’ of the incomplete National Cathedral project on Wednesday, March 6. This symbolic act served as a pointed gesture towards the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their commitment to complete and commission the project on the same date in 2024.
In addressing the media, Mr. Ablakwa and his colleagues called for a thorough report detailing the state’s expenditure on replacing and compensating owners of demolished properties. They particularly emphasized the need for transparency in accounting for the funds spent, especially in light of legal actions taken by affected property owners, such as Waterstone Realty.
Describing the project as the most expensive pit globally, the North Tongu MP insisted on full accountability for the $58,141,509.52 invested. He raised concerns about the project’s abandonment by contractors due to payment issues two years ago and urged immediate termination of the contract. Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the escalating costs to the government with each passing day the project remains delayed, including expenses for time extensions, standing time, and costs incurred due to the main contractor’s suspension.
Highlighting the need for action, Mr. Ablakwa called for the dissolution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral and the immediate closure of the National Cathedral Secretariat, which he deemed an expensive entity having received a substantial GHS225,962,500.
Source: Omanghana.com