Forensic report on National Cathedral is ready, undergoing review – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has disclosed that the long-awaited forensic audit report into the National Cathedral is ready and has been submitted to the Attorney General for review.

According to him, the Attorney General received the report last Friday and is currently studying its findings to determine the appropriate next steps.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the forensic audit became necessary after an earlier audit by Deloitte and Touche uncovered financial irregularities but did not establish the full extent of the issues or identify those responsible.

“Deloitte and Touche audited the financial reports of the National Cathedral, which revealed financial irregularities, but it didn’t tell all the issues,” he said.

He explained that authorities subsequently decided to conduct a forensic examination to establish who was responsible for the irregularities and determine whether the transactions were lawful.

“So we had to go further and do the forensic audit to know the people who were responsible for those irregularities and whether it was lawful or not,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the Attorney General authorised the Auditor-General to undertake the forensic audit, which has now been completed.

“The Attorney General received the forensic audit report last Friday and is going through it to determine the next line of action,” he stated.

He stressed that he had not personally seen the report and would not comment on its specific findings, as the appropriate time for such disclosures had not arrived.

“I haven’t seen the report myself, and even if I have, I won’t speak to the issues because it is not time,” he said.

According to him, the findings of the initial audit established that there were issues requiring further investigation, with the forensic audit expected to provide clarity on those responsible.

“But the initial report revealed that something went wrong, so the forensic will prove those responsible,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu maintained that no individual would be shielded if the forensic audit establishes wrongdoing.

He added that the Attorney General would determine the appropriate legal action based on the findings of the report.

“So if anyone is indicted, I won’t be the one to say who should face the law or not. Based on the report, the Attorney General will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

He emphasised that the forensic audit will ultimately provide clarity on expenditures and ensure accountability for taxpayer funds spent on the project.

MyJoyOnline