President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Deloitte & Touche, a global audit and financial consulting firm, is on track to complete its independent audit of the National Cathedral Project and submit its final report to him by the end of May.
President Mahama shared this update during a televised address on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, where he detailed his administration’s achievements and policy initiatives in its first 120 days.
The National Cathedral project, initiated by the previous New Patriotic Party-led government, has been a source of significant controversy and criticism, largely due to concerns about its substantial costs. Reports indicate that the previous administration spent US$58 million in public funds on the project by 2022, during a period of economic hardship.
Critics have argued that the project represents a misallocation of national resources, particularly given the nation’s economic challenges.
In addition to the National Cathedral inquiry, President Mahama stated that the Minister of Finance has launched an investigation into the collapse of indigenous banks and financial institutions. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is also conducting a probe into the PDS scandal.
The PDS scandal refers to a botched 20-year concession agreement with Power Distribution Services (PDS), under which PDS was to take over the operation and management of the staff and assets of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). In March 2019, this led the US government to halt the transfer of $190 million in crucial funding, which was intended for long-term sustainability in the energy sector, as part of a second tranche of the MMC power contract. The US cited the need for private sector participation as a key reform under the MCC’s Ghana Power Compact.
President Mahama assured the public of his government’s commitment to uncovering and prosecuting those involved in corrupt activities, in accordance with the country’s laws.
He also noted that several officials have been invited and questioned regarding their roles in the 13th All African Games.
Furthermore, the President announced that charges will soon be filed in connection with the Accra SkyTrain and National Service Scheme ghost names scandals, as part of the government’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts focused on the misappropriation of state resources.
President Mahama emphasized his dedication to ensuring that his appointees serve with integrity, accountability, and transparency. To this end, he has introduced a Code of Conduct aimed at upholding the highest ethical standards within his administration.
