Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project has cost the state $97mn so far, nearly double earlier estimates, following revelations of financial irregularities uncovered by an audit ordered by President John Dramani Mahama.

The findings were disclosed by Minister of Government Communication Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who said on July 18 that a Deloitte and Touche audit had exposed poor accounting practices, weak internal controls, and missing documentation for numerous transactions related to the project.

“Equally troubling is the failure of management to produce documents to support several transactions, including office costs, board expenses, and accommodation for the symposium hosted by the Biblical Museum of Africa,” Kwakye Ofosu is quoted as saying by Citi News.

The audit revealed that while $58mn had been previously reported as spent or committed to the Cathedral, a further $39mn remains outstanding, pushing the total cost to $97mn.

Work on the Cathedral – originally billed as a national symbol of unity and faith – was halted several years ago amid public backlash and funding shortfalls. Despite the suspension, Kwakye Ofosu warned that costs continue to accumulate daily due to what he described as the unfavourable terms of the contract signed with the contractor.

The 5,000-seater interdenominational cathedral, championed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, was envisioned to serve both religious and nationalistic purposes. It was to feature a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, banquet hall, 350-seater restaurant, library, and a conference centre, all aimed at boosting faith-based tourism and Ghana’s global identity.

However, the project has become a lightning rod in Ghanaian politics, with critics slamming it as an extravagant use of public funds in the face of economic hardship.

Kwakye Ofosu said the Mahama administration remains committed to transparency and accountability in all state projects and promised further action once the audit’s full recommendations are reviewed.