By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has mobilised his colleagues and the media to engage in an exercise that could be best described as the commissioning of the infamous uncompleted National Cathedral.
Some Minority Members of Parliament, on March 6, 2024, adopted a mocking tactic to commission the unfinished National Cathedral in spite of an early clash with the security detailed in and around the area the perimeter to stop the MP.
The vociferous North Tongu NDC MP from Monday has given an indication to commission the project on behalf of the President as a gesture meant to highlight the government’s perceived failure to complete the project.
Earlier, the MPs faced resistance from the military and Police dispatched to block anyone from accessing the construction site, where the controversial National Cathedral stands. Their intention to deliver a statement at the exact location was blocked by the security measures suddenly put in place.
Addressing the press, North Tongu MP, Okudzeto Ablakwa, made several demands, including an explanation from President Akufo-Addo on why he failed to fulfill his promise to God, to Parliament and to the sovereign Ghanaian people—the promise to commission his US$450million (GHSS.7billion) “priority of priorities” cathedral on 6th of March 2024
He also called for full accountability for what happened “to our US$58,141,509.52 (GHS 740 million) why all we see here is the world’s most expensive pit and why the contractors, RIBADE JV abandoned the project for lack of payment two years ago”.
He further demanded a comprehensive report on how much it has cost the State to so far replace and compensate some owners of demolished properties and how much is still outstanding considering that aggrieved demolished property owners such as Waterstone Realty have resorted to the courts.
“We note that the following properties were recklessly demolished on the orders of President Akufo-Addo: Bungalows for Judges, Judicial Training Institute, Passport Head Office, Scholarship Secretariat, Bungalows for CHRAJ, Waterstone Realty Luxury Apartment Complex, Headquarters of Comsys IT Firm and the Malian Ambassador’s Residence.”
He, however, called for the immediate termination of the contract to avoid further financial loss to the state. “According to the contract, Ghana will have to pay Extension of Time Claims, Standing Time Claims, Abortive & Re-Works Cost due to Main Contractor Suspension; Board of Trustees must be dissolved without delay.”
