Renowned Ghanaian politician and North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has blown the whistle on the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s continued payment of lavish salaries to top National Cathedral officials despite the project’s abandonment since March 2022.
In a shocking revelation, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that three high-ranking officials will receive their September salaries today, totaling GHS2,209,680 over the past 31 months. The beneficiaries include:
Dr. Paul Opoku Mensah, Overseer of the National Cathedral, receiving GHS29,838 monthly since November 2017
Rev. Father Ebenezer Saka Ameyaw, Church Relation Manager, and
Mrs. Rebecca Lovia Martechoo Yakpo, Programme Director, each receiving GHS20,721 monthly since January 2021
Ablakwa’s exposé highlights the stark contrast between the luxurious treatment of cathedral officials and the struggles of ordinary Ghanaian workers facing poor conditions and unpaid wages.
This scandal raises questions about the government’s priorities, accountability, and commitment to transparency. Ablakwa’s revelation has sparked outrage, with many Ghanaians demanding answers and action.
The National Cathedral project, initially estimated at US$450 million, has been mired in controversy, with US$58.1 million already spent on what critics label the “world’s most expensive pit.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
