Vitus Azeem disagrees with CHRAJ's conclusions on Ablakwa's petition on National Cathedral project

An anti-corruption campaigner, Vitus Azeem has reacted to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice's (CHRAJ) findings on the petition filed by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the National Cathedral project.

In an interview with Joy News on Tuesday [Nov 26], Mr. Azeem expressed dissatisfaction with CHRAJ's investigation, particularly its conclusion of no conflict of interest involving the Executive Secretary of the Cathedral Secretariat, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng.

He questioned the thoroughness of CHRAJ's investigation, saying the Commission failed to fully utilise its authority to demand evidence. "

When an investigative body claims it doesn’t have evidence, I am very skeptical," he said.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa had petitioned CHRAJ on conflict of interest issues, breach of procurement processes among others against the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project.

CHRAJ released its 167-page report on the petition on Monday [Nov 25], detailing several findings regarding financial and governance issues. 

Some of the key findings include no conflict of interest by the Secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng and governance lapses. 

CHRAJ has referred aspects of the petition to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and Attorney-General for further investigation into potential corruption and financial mismanagement.

The Commission recommended that the National Cathedral Secretariat and its board implement measures to improve transparency and accountability, particularly in financial reporting and decision-making processes.

Reacting, Mr. Vitus Azeem, questioned the thoroughness of CHRAJ’s investigation and its conclusions.

"It is only when you get to court that a judge can determine if there is no evidence. CHRAJ has the power to order institutions, like banks, to provide statements."

Despite his criticisms, Mr. Azeem welcomed CHRAJ's referral of the matter to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for further investigation into potential corruption. "The Special Prosecutor’s office is responsible for investigating corruption-related matters. If they find enough evidence, they can proceed with prosecution. That is the way forward."

However, he cautioned against prematurely drawing conclusions, emphasising that the findings remain incomplete.

Mr. Azeem also expressed skepticism about CHRAJ’s recommendation for improved corporate governance at the National Cathedral Secretariat. He pointed to the extensive experience of church leaders, particularly bishops, in managing large institutions. "I don’t want to believe they lack knowledge of corporate governance. Today, many priests provide biannual statements of accounts in churches. Someone with 20 to 30 years of professional and ecclesiastical experience cannot lack governance knowledge."

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