Audit Uncovers Nearly GHS 5 Million Payment Discrepancy in National Cathedral Project

Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed that an audit into the National Cathedral project has exposed a GHS 4.9 million discrepancy in payments made to the architectural firm Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Mr. Ofosu said the audit found inconsistencies between official government records and the payment figures reported by the firm. According to him, while the Office of the President accounts for a total payment of GHS 113,040,564.86, Sir David Adjaye & Associates claims to have received GHS 117,972,656.00 — a difference of GHS 4,932,091.14.

“The audit report reveals troubling discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. for the mobilisation and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana,” he stated.

The breakdown shows that between September 26, 2018, and November 25, 2019, the Ministry of Finance paid the firm GHS 87,938,750.00. Additionally, the Office of the President made two payments:

GHS 29,664,845.29 on February 19, 2021

GHS 369,060.71 on March 5, 2021

These payments bring the total received by the firm to GHS 117,972,656.00 — matching its claims but conflicting with the official government figure.

The unexplained GHS 4.9 million shortfall has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the management of the controversial National Cathedral project.