The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says he is carrying out his parliamentary duties by exposing the underhand dealing in the National cathedral project.

According to him, his role as an MP makes it mandatory for him to check the excesses of the Executive and therefore has no intention of getting the clergy to support him.

“This is not a popularity contest. I am not seeking to get church leaders on my side. That is not what this is about, I am carrying out my mandate, my parliamentary duties. I am required and all of us in Parliament are required to constitutionally carry out oversight duties to make sure there are checks and balances,” he said.

Mr. Okudzeto’s comments were in response to questions posed by the host of Top Story, Evans Mensah on whether he acknowledges that those representing Christians [the Clergy] were publicly not on his side in regard to halting the construction of the national cathedral.

Evans Mensah’s questions were informed by comments from the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Anglican Church, Rev Dr. Cyril Smith, earlier today (Tuesday) that the building of the national cathedral will happen no matter the objection by naysayers.

However, Mr. Ablakwa explained that as far as he was concerned it was not a popularity contest but it was his duty to expose wrongdoing.

“There is a reason why it’s said all over in literature that 'Parliament, we are the custodians of the purse'. We must ensure that public funds are being utilised properly and judiciously. It’s not a popularity contest,” he said.

“If this project was so popular and the Christian community had been rallied, they shouldn't be struggling to raise funds.” 

In the past few days, Mr. Ablakwa has been one of the most outspoken parliamentarians on the unconstitutional processes the government had taken when it comes to the national cathedral project.