Lawyer and devout Christian Charles Owusu Juanah has launched a spirited defence of Ghana’s National Cathedral project, describing it as a sacred undertaking rooted in faith, law, and national vision—not a scandal as portrayed by its critics.

Addressing the press at the Ghana International Press Centre on Thursday 24 July, Juanah called out what he described as a “deliberate campaign of misinformation, distortion and partisan mischief” aimed at undermining a project meant to serve as a spiritual monument for the nation. He said the Cathedral is under scrutiny—not scandal—and warned against politicising sacred ground for cheap political points.

“Let this day mark not the defeat of faith by politics, but the rising of a people who fear God and will not be ashamed of His name,” he said.

Juanah traced the origins of the Cathedral to a vow made in 2016 by then-presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who pledged to build a national altar to honour God if elected. After assuming office, the President donated seed money, unveiled Sir David Adjaye’s design, and established an independent Board of Trustees in March 2017 to steer the project—legally structured under the Companies Act as a company limited by guarantee.

“This isn’t a government department. It’s not subject to the Public Procurement Act, and no President can dissolve the Board unless ordered by a court,” Juanah emphasised, citing Article 23 of the Constitution on administrative justice.

He stressed that the project has gone above legal requirements to promote transparency: inviting the Public Procurement Authority into its processes, seeking a formal opinion from the Attorney-General, and submitting documents to Parliament. “The Board has nothing to hide,” he said.

Much of Juanah’s address centred on dismantling claims by NDC spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye, who had alleged financial mismanagement based on a 2022 Deloitte management letter. Juanah described Ofosu Kwakye’s interpretation as “politically charged and intellectually dishonest,” warning that the public is being misled.

“A management letter is not an audit report,” he clarified. “It’s a private communication recommending improvements, not a declaration of wrongdoing.”

Juanah addted that Deloitte’s full audit of the 2021–2023 period found no misappropriation of funds. All GHC 225,962,500 received from government was accounted for, disbursed under valid contracts to Adjaye Associates, RIBADE (main contractor), and the Nehemiah Group.

Among the most controversial issues addressed was the GHC15.7 million paid to Adjaye & Associates prior to the Board’s inauguration. Juanah explained that the payment was authorised by the Presidency to mobilise design work in time and was lawful. He also rubbished claims about a GHC4.9 million mismatch, saying it was an “administrative reconciliation gap,” not fraud.

On US fundraising efforts, Juanah revealed that over $400,000 was raised legally through a registered nonprofit, with the $110,630.56 expenditure forming part of a broader strategic outreach—not a one-time event.

He also cleared the air on the GHC2.6 million loan from JNS Talent Centre, explaining that it was an interest-free advance from a board member, repaid in full within 12 days. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) reviewed the transaction and found no breach of law.

Juanah disclosed that although the ADB MoMo platform raised over GHC 50 million, none of that money had been transferred to the Board of Trustees. “You cannot be accused of misusing what you have never received,” he said bluntly.

He further dismissed claims of duplicate travel funding. Contrary to Ofosu Kwakye’s claim that the Executive Director received funding from both the Chief of Staff and the Secretariat, Juanah stated the facts: the Chief of Staff approved the trip but released no funds. The Secretariat funded it instead, as approved by the Board.

“These accusations are not rooted in facts but fuelled by a desire to sabotage a sacred vision,” he said.

Juanah made a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to resist the temptation to politicise the project.

“Respect the Church. Respect its sacred projects. Do not use the holy for the profane,” he pleaded.

He also called on Ghanaian Christians and churches across the globe to rally behind the Cathedral’s completion, insisting that silence in the face of political distortion would be a betrayal of faith.

Despite the noise, Juanah outlined progress: architectural and museum designs are fully complete, a contractor is appointed, land preparation is done, and eight percent of the construction has already been executed. The project’s governance remains legally autonomous, transparent, and accountable.

“The National Cathedral is not a white elephant. It is a national altar, a testimony of vision and faith,” he affirmed.

He concluded by urging all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to defend truth over propaganda and support the Cathedral’s completion.

“Let it be known,” Juanah said, “the National Cathedral belongs to God. It belongs to Ghana. And its legacy will endure.”