The investigation has raised questions about what payments may have been made to these ghost names. According to a statement from the presidency, the finance ministry had already disbursed 226 million Ghana cedis ($14.6 million) to approximately 98,000 legitimate beneficiaries.

Mahama, who resumed office in January, has vowed to eliminate deep-rooted corruption in the country, which is recovering from a severe economic crisis.

On the same day, Ghana’s anti-corruption agency, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a “wanted fugitive” in relation to his alleged involvement in five transactions under investigation for corruption and related offenses. Ofori-Atta was not immediately available for comment.

Speaking to a packed congregation, Mahama emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, reaffirming his stance on addressing the public concerns surrounding the project. “We will soon activate an investigation into the National Cathedral project,” Mahama declared, signaling a forthcoming review of the ongoing initiative that has drawn both praise and criticism since its inception.

The former president also suggested that if the project were to continue, its location might be reconsidered. “I believe that we can reach a more reasonable figure for achieving such a project and together we can raise the funding for it,” he said, hinting at potential changes in the scope and design of the cathedral. Mahama’s comments were met with cautious optimism by many in the audience, with some believing that a reevaluation could address some of the concerns raised by critics.

Mahama continued, “Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project.” He emphasized that the decision would be made in consultation with religious leaders and the wider Christian community, underscoring the importance of collective input in shaping the future of the National Cathedral.

The National Cathedral project has long been a contentious issue in Ghanaian politics, with supporters arguing it will be a landmark of national significance, while opponents criticize its cost and the prioritization of a religious edifice over pressing social needs. Mahama’s announcement to review the project follows growing calls for greater accountability in how public funds are used for such ventures.

“I leave the rest to any such future consultation that we will have as the body of Christ,” Mahama concluded, leaving the door open for further discussions and engagement with key stakeholders.

As calls for transparency intensify, Mahama’s decision to investigate the National Cathedral project signals his commitment to addressing one of the most debated issues in the country’s recent history. The outcome of the investigation and any potential changes to the project will likely have a significant impact on the public discourse in the months to come.