Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that several financial transactions carried out by the National Cathedral Secretariat lack the necessary supporting documents to validate the outflows of funds.
He made these disclosures during a press briefing at the Jubilee House, where he read excerpts from the Deloitte and Touche audit report commissioned to examine the Secretariat’s financial activities. According to the Minister, the audit exposed widespread documentation gaps and irregularities, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of funds.
A number of expenditures, including costs related to the Board Secretary, general office operations, and accommodation for a symposium hosted by the Biblical Museum of Africa, could not be backed by adequate records. Out of a total GH¢949,847 spent on these items, GH¢292,681 remains unsupported by documentation.
“Equally troubling is the failure of management to produce supporting documents for several transactions, including board secretary expenses, office costs, and accommodation for a symposium hosted by the Biblical Museum of Africa. Out of a total of 949,847 Ghana cities, an amount of 292,681 Ghana cities remains unsupported.” he read.
The audit further revealed weak financial oversight throughout the 2022 financial year. One example involved accommodation payments made for Mr. Kari Samis, who stayed at the Movenpick Hotel from 16th to 28th February 2022 at a reported cost of GH¢18,500. However, only GH¢4,976 was recorded in the Secretariat’s books. The remaining GH¢13,524, which was reportedly refunded by the hotel, could not be traced in the financial records, highlighting inconsistencies in reporting and possible mismanagement.
Another incident cited involved a trip to the United States by Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah and Reverend Kusi Boateng. The trip cost GH¢28,433.60 and was paid from the Secretariat’s Fidelity USD account on 12th October 2022. Despite this payment, a separate approval for US$20,504.95 to cover the same trip was issued by the Chief of Staff on 18th October 2022, raising concerns about duplicated approvals and poor coordination in financial planning.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also pointed out that procurement committee members failed to complete required Oath of Secrecy documents. The documents in question were neither signed nor dated and contained only the names of committee members. This, he emphasized, represents a serious deviation from standard governance and procurement practices.
“The Oath of secrecy documents required of procurement committee members was neither signed nor dated, containing only the names of members. A clear deviation from standard corporate governance practices.” he said