KWAKYE OFOSU UNCOVERS $97 MILLION IN FINANCIAL IRREGULARITIES IN NATIONAL CATHEDRAL PROJECT: A DEEPENING SCANDAL
$97 Million Exposed in National Cathedral Financial Scandal Kwakye Ofosu Reveals
A fresh storm is brewing over the National Cathedral project as Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, has revealed that financial irregularities linked to the initiative now total a staggering $97 million.
The disclosure comes on the heels of a directive by former President John Dramani Mahama, who commissioned an independent audit of the project by global accounting firm Deloitte and Touché.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, July 18, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that while official government disclosures had previously pegged the project’s expenditure at $58 million, additional documents have now uncovered $39 million in outstanding liabilities to the contractor. The reality is that aside from the $58 million already known, there’s an extra $39 million in unpaid commitments pushing the true cost to $97 million,” he stated.
He went on to criticize the contractual terms, which he described as heavily tilted against the state, pointing out that the government remains financially bound by the agreement despite the project being stalled for years. Even though construction has long been at a standstill, the structure of the contract allows costs to accumulate daily. This is deeply problematic,” he added.
Initially proposed as a symbol of national unity and pride, the National Cathedral was to serve as a multi-functional space complete with a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, banquet hall, 350-seat restaurant, library, and conference center designed to boost faith-based tourism and celebrate Ghana’s spiritual heritage.
But as questions mount over its ballooning cost, lack of transparency, and overall relevance, public trust in the project continues to erode.
Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message?
Partially.
The image visually represents the subject of the headline the National Cathedral project but not the controversy or scandal. It highlights the ideal vision of the project, which contrasts with the financial misconduct being reported. Therefore, it represents the topic, but not the negative implications suggested by the headline.
What emotions does the image evoke?
Inspiration, pride, and awe rather than urgency or controversy.
The image showcases a clean, modern, and majestic design, evoking a sense of national pride and architectural achievement. It does not evoke urgency, sympathy, or public outrage, which are more aligned with the investigative tone of the headline.
Is the image manipulated or biased?
Yes, subtly biased by omission.
While the image is not digitally altered to mislead, it presents only the positive a pristine, futuristic structure ignoring the financial controversy. This could be seen as framing bias, especially if no contrasting visuals are included in the story.
How does composition affect storytelling?
Highly polished composition promotes idealism.
The image uses clean lines, bright lighting, and a wide-angle perspective to emphasize ambition and national vision. This enhances the cathedral's symbolic value, making it feel like a noble cause, which conflicts with the scandal narrative and could soften critical scrutiny.
Does the image add depth to the story or simply reinforce the headline?
It reinforces the subject, but not the headline’s critical tone.
While the image supports the setting of the story it lacks elements that speak to the gravity of the financial scandal. It adds context but not investigative depth.
Would a different image change the reader’s perception of the news?
Absolutely.
An image showing an abandoned construction site, protesters, or leaked documents would align more with the scandal narrative and evoke urgency or public concern. It would steer perception from admiration to skepticism and accountability.
How does the image compare to others covering the same story?
More polished and idealized.
Other outlets often use real-life photos of the incomplete structure, media briefings, or press conference scenes to emphasize the gap between the vision and reality. This rendering feels promotional, in contrast to critical or journalistic images used elsewhere.
Is the image culturally or politically significant?
Yes.
The National Cathedral project is a symbol of national identity, political ambition, and religious unity. Displaying its ideal form reinforces these cultural and political aspirations, which may inadvertently shield it from criticism or distract from fiscal concerns.
AFENYO-MARKIN FIRES BACK AT NDC: “YOU’VE FAILED GHANA—THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER!
Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message?
The image shows Alexander Afenyo-Markin, a key member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), actively engaging with the public while holding a microphone suggesting a moment of public speech or political commentary. This visually aligns with the idea of him “firing back” at the opposition (NDC). His posture and the setting imply he's addressing a crowd, which supports the confrontational tone of the headline.
What emotions does the image evoke?
The vibrant party colors, branded attire, and overall energy of the image reflect political momentum and partisan pride. Rather than sparking outrage or sympathy, it evokes a rallying call and enthusiasm, particularly for supporters of the NPP. However, it doesn't directly reflect anger or confrontation as the headline might suggest.
The image is clearly taken during an NPP campaign event, with strong branding and “Bawumia for President 2024” messaging visible. While it’s not digitally manipulated, the image promotes a positive framing of Afenyo-Markin and the NPP, subtly positioning them as the solution to the failure being accused in the headline. It visually favors one side of the political divide.
The clear focus on Afenyo-Markin, with party branding in the background and NPP supporters surrounding him, reinforces the idea of him as a leader taking a stand. The lighting and color contrast draw attention to him, anchoring him visually as the speaker and central figure. The close framing makes it feel personal and dynamic.
The image helps ground the statement “fires back” by showing Afenyo-Markin in a setting where he would reasonably make such remarks. However, it doesn’t add evidence or critical context it functions more as political branding than investigative storytelling.
A photo showing Afenyo-Markin in Parliament, during a press conference, or captured in a heated exchange would deliver a more serious, confrontational tone. This image is campaign-oriented, which softens the aggressive wording of the headline and makes it more about rallying support than challenging the opposition.
Other media may use neutral or formal press images, especially if reporting on political statements in Parliament. This image, however, feels partisan and energized, typical of party-aligned media or campaign promotion.
It reflects the deeply polarized nature of Ghanaian politics, where visual identity, party colors, and slogans play an important role. The image speaks directly to supporters of the NPP, reinforcing party loyalty and the broader narrative of 2024 elections which makes it both politically and culturally charged.
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