Founder and Leader of Power Chapel Worldwide, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, has declared that he will not sever or conceal his relationship with former Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, despite criticism and the possibility of facing imprisonment.
Speaking to his congregation in a video circulating on social media, Rev. Kusi Boateng openly defended his friendship with Dr Bawumia and his wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, insisting that he would not allow public criticism to dictate his personal relationships.
He said he was prepared to face the consequences of maintaining the friendship rather than distance himself from the couple.
“If for this reason, anybody wants to imprison me, go ahead,” he said.
Rev. Kusi Boateng, who referred to his previous experience in prison, said the prospect of imprisonment would not intimidate him.
“Prison is not for animals. It is for human beings. I have been there. I didn’t die. I came back,” he added.
The pastor maintained that his relationship with Dr Bawumia was purely a friendship and did not amount to wrongdoing.
He rejected suggestions that he should hide the relationship to avoid public scrutiny, describing Dr Bawumia as a friend whose relationship he had no intention of abandoning.
“I don’t care whoever thinks about it. Dr Bawumia is my friend and will continue to be my friend. I will not hide. I am not a hypocrite,” he said.
He further described Dr Bawumia and Hajia Samira as close friends and family, stressing that he had no apology for maintaining the relationship.
National Cathedral controversy
Although Rev. Kusi Boateng did not link his comments to any specific investigation or criminal case, his reference to possible imprisonment comes amid renewed attention surrounding investigations into the National Cathedral project.
Rev. Kusi Boateng previously served as Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the project, which has faced several investigations and audits over its management, finances and procurement processes.
Investigations into the project have involved the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Deloitte, the National Investigations Bureau and PwC.
The former National Cathedral Secretariat was dissolved by President John Dramani Mahama in May 2025, while steps were subsequently initiated towards the dissolution of the Board of Trustees.
A Deloitte audit covering the Secretariat’s operations between 2021 and 2023 identified financial and procurement irregularities and raised concerns over the management of funds.
Because the Deloitte exercise did not cover the entire project, the government subsequently directed the Auditor-General to commission a broader forensic audit.
Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine said in January 2026 that his office could not proceed with any prosecution connected to the National Cathedral until the forensic audit report was received.
The audit, being conducted by PwC, was reported in December 2025 to be nearing completion.
CHRAJ findings
Rev. Kusi Boateng became a prominent figure in the National Cathedral controversy after North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned CHRAJ in 2023 over allegations including conflict of interest, financial impropriety and the use of multiple identities.
CHRAJ subsequently cleared Rev. Kusi Boateng of the specific allegation that he possessed two passports under different names. The commission found that he held a passport in the name Kwabena Adu Gyamfi but found no evidence that he had been issued another passport under the name Kusi Boateng.
However, CHRAJ recommended further investigation and possible prosecution of members of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees over procurement concerns surrounding the award of a construction contract to Ribade Company.
The commission also examined a GH¢2.6 million transaction involving JNS Talent Centre Limited. It found that the company did not provide services corresponding to the payment but concluded that the amount represented reimbursement to Rev. Kusi Boateng for money he had advanced to contractors when the Secretariat experienced financial difficulties.
The controversy has also resulted in legal proceedings between Rev. Kusi Boateng and Mr Ablakwa.
In March 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by Rev. Kusi Boateng against the North Tongu MP, ruling that the claims made by Mr Ablakwa were grounded in truth and public interest. The court also awarded GH¢40,000 in costs against Rev. Kusi Boateng.
With the broader forensic audit of the National Cathedral project still awaited, Rev. Kusi Boateng’s latest comments about his friendship with Dr Bawumia are likely to attract renewed public attention.
