Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu member of parliament, has demanded an apology from the government and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for what he refers to as a “grand deception” involving the National Cathedral project.
The member of parliament lamented the enormous expense of the National Cathedral project, the payment for properties that were demolished, and the possible legal repercussions.
Speaking to GHOne TV, Mr. Ablakwa demanded that the Vice President issue an apology to God, the clergy, and Ghanaians for the “grand deception” of the National Cathedral project. Although the project was initially portrayed as the President’s personal promise to God, it has since grown to be an expensive undertaking for the nation.
“The Vice President should first of all be apologizing to the Ghanaian people, to the eminent clergy, and to the Almighty for what he and his boss have done. This grand deception.”
He continued: “Didn’t they tell us that this project was a personal pledge that the President made to God, that they would not use public resources? That’s where we ought to start from. So, come clean, apologize to the Ghanaian people, that if we had not intercepted these documents, we would have been deceived.”
Ablakwa cited the cost of the project, which has escalated from $100 million to $450 million.
“Secondly, the costs of what we see now cannot be accepted. The Vice President must be telling us how a forensic audit will be conducted so that we can retrieve a lot of the loot that has gone on. That hole there cannot be $58 million. It cannot be. It cannot be. And the Vice President must be telling us how people like Carrie Summers will be made to refund our $6 million.”
“Then thirdly, the Vice President ought to be telling the Ghanaian people what is the analysis, the cost of compensation. Because you see, the focus has been on the pit, $58 million. But what a lot of Ghanaians have not averted their mind to, is that beyond the cost of this project, which has escalated from $100 million to $450 million.” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
Mr. Ablakwa insisted that the government assume responsibility and underlined the necessity of compensation for the many groups impacted by the project, such as the Judicial Service, judges, diplomats, and others.
“And all of these groups of people are waiting for their compensation. There are legal consequences, some are in court. I mean, what happened? Who is responsible for this incredible madness? And nobody is taking responsibility.”
He continued: “There are a whole host of people who have to be compensated because of the demolitions that occurred. Are you aware that the Judicial Service of Ghana, the Chief Justice, is looking for $50 million to replace the demolished Judicial Training Institute? Who is going to pay for that? Our taxes? Did we ask the President to demolish the Judicial Training Institute? Judges Bungalow that have been demolished, are waiting for their compensation. The Malian Ambassador, whose residence has been demolished, waiting for his compensation.” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
Mr. Ablakwa urges the government to be transparent to Ghanaians and should take responsibility for their actions.
“Nobody is being honest with the Ghanaian people. To say that, look, we got it totally wrong. This has been such a scam. It was just intended to loot and we are sorry. These are the people we are holding responsible.”
He continued: “Look, as for this National Cathedral matter, I am clear in my mind that a lot of people will have to face the music.”
Source: starfm.com.gh