Why Government Can’t Dissolve National Cathedral Board – Lawyer Explains
Cathedral Board Can’t Be Dissolved by Government – Lawyer Clarifies
Lawyer Charles J. Owusu, speaking on behalf of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, has declared that the Ghanaian government lacks the legal authority to dissolve the board. According to him, only a court of law can make such a decision.
Cathedral Registered as a Company, Not a Government Body
At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Owusu explained that the Cathedral Board is registered as a company limited by guarantee. This legal structure means it is governed by the Companies Act, not public service rules or Cabinet decisions.
“The government cannot dissolve the board without court orders,” he emphasized.
Response to Mahama’s Dissolution Directive
This clarification follows President John Mahama’s call to dissolve the board after a reported audit revealed financial concerns. However, Mr. Owusu insisted that there is no final audit report confirming embezzlement or financial mismanagement.
Defending the Clergy and the Board
Owusu said the trustees — mainly Christian denominational leaders — were being unfairly criticized. He stepped forward to protect them from what he described as politically motivated attacks.
“If wrongdoing exists, let it be proven in court,” he urged. “But stop dragging respected religious figures into the mud.”
Audit Report Misunderstood
Mr. Owusu clarified that the so-called audit findings were taken from a management letter, not the final Deloitte audit report. He said the letter was a preliminary document meant to raise questions, which the board later addressed with full documentation.
Advance Payments Were a Presidential Decision
Responding to accusations about payments made before contracts were signed, Owusu said that President Nana Akufo-Addo authorized an advance of $15.7 million to consultants before the board was even formed.
“The board didn’t hire the consultant. The Jubilee House did,” he said.
MoMo Donation Failure Was Technical
Critics have also raised issues about mobile money fundraising for the project. Owusu explained that a technical glitch at ADB Bank prevented the donations from reaching the Cathedral’s account. He stressed the trustees were not responsible for the failure.
Loan from JNS Talent Was Documented and Repaid
He also defended a GH¢2.6 million short-term loan given by JNS Talent, a company linked to the former Executive Secretary of the Cathedral. The money was advanced when the project lacked funds and, according to Owusu, has since been fully refunded.
Structure Exists Despite ‘Hole’ Claims
Contrary to claims that the Cathedral site is just an expensive pit, Owusu said substantial underground work had been completed. This includes 25 meters of concrete, architectural planning, and museum design layouts.
“Anyone doubting this should visit the site. We’ve laid the foundation — what’s left is the structure itself,” he added.
Appeal to Christians and President Mahama
Owusu called on Ghanaian Christians to support the Cathedral voluntarily and appealed to President Mahama to either assist or step aside.
“If you won’t help, don’t block others. Let’s build our Cathedral,” he said.
Takeaway Message
The legal battle over the National Cathedral Board is not just political — it’s legal. As things stand, only a court of law can dissolve the board, not executive order. Meanwhile, the project’s defenders urge transparency, due process, and respect for the clergy involved.
