National Cathedral Audit Report shows discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates
The National Cathedral Audit Report conducted by Deloitte and Touche has revealed worrying discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited for the mobilisation and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
Findings of the audit report revealed that while the Office of the President confirms a total payment of GH¢113,040,564.86 only, the firm reports receiving GH¢117,972,656.00—a variance of GH¢4,932,091.14 that remains unexplained.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications presented findings of the report at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra.
The report said payment records indicate that the Ministry of Finance made payments of GH¢87,938,750.00 between September 26, 2018, and November 25, 2019.
It said subsequently, the Office of the President made two payments: GH¢29,664,845.29 on February 19, 2021 and GH¢369,060.71 on March 5, 2021—bringing the presidency’s total contributions to GH¢30,033,906.00.
It said combined, these payments total GH¢117,972,656.00 received by the firm.
Touching on Variations in Contract Amount with Ribade JV, the report said the formally executed agreement with Ribade JV sets the contract sum at $261,965,660, exclusive of taxes and levies.
It said however, the Office of the President confirms a higher figure of $286,465,660—a discrepancy of $24.5 million from the amount officially signed in the agreement.
The report said additionally, the Progress Status Report as of August 2024 quotes the contract amount as $268,500,000, while Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) submitted for payment estimate the final contract value at $283,230,489.
It said these inconsistent figures—ranging from the legally binding agreement to reported progress and payment claims—indicate a lack of coherence and clarity in contract administration and project cost management.
With regards to difference in Payments and Outstanding Amount owed to the Nehemiah Group, the audit also highlights significant discrepancies in the financial transactions between the Government of Ghana and The Nehemiah Group, a consultant on the National Cathedral project.
It said according to the Office of the President, a total of $4,281,702.59 had been paid to Nehemiah.
It said however, The Nehemiah Group confirms receipt of $4,341,702.59—indicating a difference of $60,000.00 that remains unaccounted for.
It noted that more concerning was the wide variation in the amounts both parties claim is outstanding.
It said while the Office of the President reports an outstanding balance of $1,851,528.00, the Nehemiah Group asserts that only $155,616.23 remains unpaid—a discrepancy of nearly $1.7 million.
The report said these inconsistencies reveal significant faults in contract and payment reconciliation processes, and they require urgent investigation to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Mr Ofosu said the audit findings shake the very foundations of the project and the Secretariat’s work, raising fundamental questions about the use of public funds.
He said contrary to the widely held view that total payments and commitments to the National Cathedral Project amount to $58 million so far, there was an additional outstanding payment of $39 million due to the contractor.
“This will bring the total cost incurred for the hole at the project site to $97 million.” The Minister said.
He noted that subsequently, the President had directed the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit into the Deloitte and Touche report on the National Cathedral Project.
Source: GNA