Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has taken a firm stance on the controversial National Cathedral project, describing it as a well-organized plan to misuse public funds. He insists that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should face legal action over the matter.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, October 22, Kotoko stated that the project was never about religion but rather a “scheme to siphon or launder state funds.” He said he would be delighted to see the former president answer in court for what he calls a deliberate misuse of public trust.
“If wishes were horses, I would be happy to see even former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo hauled to court to answer for that hole he dug, which seems to be an organized crime unit he set up to launder state funds,” he fumed.
Kotoko contrasted Akufo-Addo’s actions with those of Côte d’Ivoire’s former Minister, Boahen, who personally financed a place of worship. According to him, unlike Boahen, Akufo-Addo “even scammed God” by using state resources for what was supposed to be a divine promise.
“Our neighbor in Côte d’Ivoire, Boahen, prayed and built a place of worship with his own money. But President Akufo-Addo, after promising God to build His house, turned around and used public funds for it. This is someone who could even scam God,” he said.
He expressed disappointment at what he described as the moral failure of Ghana’s senior leaders, stressing that their conduct sets a poor example for the youth.
“I’m a young person, and I frown on elderly people not holding on to the virtues they were supposed to pass down to us,” he lamented.
Kotoko further alleged that the National Cathedral project was a cover for corruption, using prominent religious figures to shield wrongdoing. He recalled how some pastors publicly defended the project, claiming no public funds would be used—claims he says have now proven false.
He also challenged the Finance Minister’s claim that 90% of rehabilitation work had been completed, calling it a blatant lie. “A toddler who visits that place will tell you not even 5% has been done,” he said in disbelief.
Kotoko accused Akufo-Addo of preying on Ghanaians’ religious sensitivity to escape accountability. “President Nana Addo only used our vulnerability as a people, because when it involves God, we hesitate to criticize. He used God to scam all of us,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Forestry Commission deputy boss called for immediate investigations and potential prosecution, saying justice in this case would set a precedent for future administrations.
