PwC nears of completion of forensic audit on National Cathedral Project – AG – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefDecember 22, 20253 Mins read67
PwC Nears Completion of Forensic Audit on National Cathedral Project, Confirms Attorney-General
Introduction
The long-awaited forensic audit regarding the controversial National Cathedral project in Ghana is reportedly nearing its final stages. According to a recent update from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, the audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has made significant progress. This development marks a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to provide transparency regarding the financial management of the national religious monument. The audit, initiated by presidential directive, aims to uncover the specifics of expenditures and procedural adherence since the project’s inception.
Key Points
- Status of Audit: PwC is approaching the conclusion of its forensic investigation.
- Lead Authority: The exercise is being supervised by the Auditor-General, under the directive of the President.
- Procurement Role: The Ministry of Finance, specifically the Auditor-General, was responsible for hiring the private firm, as the Attorney General’s office does not procure non-legal services.
- Current Activities: PwC has recently engaged the Attorney General’s office to clarify technical issues essential to the audit’s completion.
Background
The National Cathedral of Ghana is a proposed interdenominational Christian place of worship intended to serve as a national spiritual center. Since its conception, the project has generated significant public discourse, particularly regarding its funding model, the displacement of residents in the Ridge area of Accra, and the overall cost to the state exchequer.
Due to these concerns, there have been persistent calls from civil society organizations (CSOs), the opposition, and the general public for a comprehensive audit of the project’s accounts. The government responded by initiating a forensic audit to ascertain the veracity of the financial figures circulating in the public domain and to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Analysis
The Role of the Auditor-General vs. The Attorney General
Dr. Dominic Ayine provided a crucial pedagogical insight into the separation of powers and administrative mandates within the Ghanaian government structure. He clarified that the Attorney General’s office is strictly mandated to procure legal services. Consequently, engaging a private audit firm like PwC for a financial forensic exercise falls outside the statutory remit of the AG’s office.
This distinction is vital for understanding public procurement protocols. By delegating the procurement responsibility to the Auditor-General via the Ministry of Finance, the government adhered to established administrative procedures. This ensures that the audit remains an independent financial review rather than a legal inquiry, although the findings could eventually lead to legal consequences.
Significance of PwC’s Involvement
Engaging a “Big Four” firm like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) signals a commitment to high-level professional scrutiny. Forensic audits differ from standard statutory audits; they are investigative in nature, designed to analyze specific financial irregularities or allegations. The fact that PwC has requested a meeting with the Attorney General suggests they are in the “evidence gathering” or “interpretation” phase, seeking to understand the legal context of financial transactions they are reviewing.
Practical Advice
For stakeholders, journalists, and citizens following the National Cathedral financial audit, here are steps to stay informed and engaged:
- Monitor Official Channels: Rely on press briefings from the Ministry of Finance and the Auditor-General’s Department for official updates rather than social media speculation.
- Understand Audit Terminology: Familiarize yourself with terms like “Forensic Audit” (an examination of records to provide legal evidence) and “Value for Money” (a measure of cost-effectiveness).
- Civic Engagement: Once the report is released, civil society groups are encouraged to request the full declassified report to analyze the findings independently.
FAQ
When will the National Cathedral audit be completed?
While an exact date has not been set, the Attorney-General indicated in December that PwC is “nearing completion” and is in the final stages of the work.
Why was PwC hired instead of the government internal audit team?
The nature of the allegations surrounding the National Cathedral required an independent, external forensic investigation to ensure impartiality and objectivity, which is standard practice for high-profile public interest projects.
Who authorized the audit?
The audit was initiated on the direct instruction of the President of Ghana, following consultations between the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, and the Minister for Finance.
Does the Attorney General handle government contracts?
No. As explained by Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General’s office procures legal services. For non-legal services such as financial audits, the procurement is handled by the relevant financial agencies, in this case, the Auditor-General.
Conclusion
The impending conclusion of the PwC forensic audit on the National Cathedral project represents a critical step toward resolving the fiscal uncertainties surrounding the initiative. As PwC finalizes its work and consults with the Attorney General on technical matters, the public awaits a report that will hopefully provide clarity, accountability, and a definitive record of the financial undertakings of this national monument. This process reinforces the importance of institutional mandates and the role of independent auditors in maintaining public trust in governance.
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