Minister for Government Communication Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed significant procurement violations in the execution of the National Cathedral project, particularly involving Sir David Adjaye and his architectural firm.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, July 18, at the Jubilee House, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu provided detailed updates from the government-commissioned audit report.

The minister explained that the audit uncovered major flaws in the contracting and payment processes surrounding Sir David Adjaye & Associates, who served as Lead Consultant for the project.

“Between 26th September 2018 and 7th June 2019, a total of GHS 15,738,750 was paid to Sir David Adjaye well before the formal agreement was signed on 20th August 2019,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.

He pointed out that this payment was made without prior approval of the contract sum by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), which was later fixed at GHS 5,850,000. “This payment also preceded the approval of the contract sum of GHS 5,850,000 by the Public Procurement Authority, raising red flags about non-compliance with established procurement protocols,” he added.

The minister emphasised that the engagement of Adjaye’s firm through sole sourcing lacked the required justification and approval, stating that, “These actions represent a clear breach of procurement procedures as outlined in Section 40(1) and (2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended by Act 914, and raise serious concerns about transparency, value for money, and adherence to due process in the award and execution of public contracts.”

He continued by highlighting other areas of concern, including unexplained payment components. “Portions of the total contract value specifically the mobilisation fee of USD 1,500,000 and a Use/After Care component of USD 1,187,500 were included in the payment schedule but lack any detailed breakdown or explanation of their composition,” he said.

Further scrutiny, Kwakye Ofosu noted, revealed a troubling discrepancy in the reported mobilisation fee. “While the Office of the President confirms a payment of only USD 89,000, a letter from Sir David Adjaye & Associates dated 13th August 2020 states that USD 950,000 was received as mobilisation a gap that requires urgent clarification,” he explained.

The minister also addressed variation orders for additional design work executed by Adjaye’s firm. “David Adjaye is reported to have undertaken extra work estimated at USD 12,430,221 under Variation Orders 1, 2, and 3,” he said.

“These include major design changes such as a 350-seater restaurant, a museum extension, and a Bible museum.”

However, he stressed that none of these additions were formally captured in the original signed contract. “These additions were not captured in the original signed contract, indicating a failure to formally regularise significant scope changes before making payments regarding these changes,” he added.