The project was first promised after former President Nana Akufo-Addo gave God the credit for his party’s electoral victory in 2016. It was discovered that $58 million of federal funds had already been used for the National Cathedral, despite his administration’s claims that it would be privately funded. According to critics, the sole indication of development is a huge crater on a desirable plot of ground in the heart of Accra, formerly occupied by state buildings, the homes of judges, and financial organizations.
How come $58 million has been spent with no results?
Akufo-Addo’s administration intended the National Cathedral to be a hallowed location for all Ghanaian Christians, complete with a Bible museum, a conference centre, and national religious services. Many Ghanaians, however, have questioned the project’s timeliness and viability.
NDC senator Kwabena Mintah Akandoh questioned, “Where is the wisdom in building a cathedral when there are more pressing needs in the country across sectors like health and education?” “Cholera and other diseases are killing people,” he continued. Why concentrate on a cathedral?
What is the project's plan, according to President Mahama?
Speaking during a Thanksgiving ceremony, President Mahama affirmed that the government had been instructed by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to audit the project and look into possible misappropriation of public monies.
Mahama said, “We will soon activate such an investigation into the project,” reaffirming his dedication to openness. He did not, however, rule out finishing the National Cathedral, proposing a more economical course of action.
He stated, “We can come to a more realistic number for accomplishing such a project, and together, we can raise the funding for it.” Such a reexamination may even include altering the project’s current location. Given Ghana’s current situation, developing a project at an astounding $400 million makes no sense.
Will the Cathedral Be Built Using Public Funds?
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson echoed Mahama’s remarks in a parliamentary session. “We would work to cut off wasteful expenditure, and the National Cathedral project is one of them,” Forson said, underscoring the government’s need to prioritize spending.
At the time of this statement, Ghana had been recovering from an economic crisis that required a $3 billion (£2.5 billion) bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Even if it has decreased since the bailout, inflation is still high at 23.8%, which puts more pressure on the government to use resources wisely.
Why Have Support and Construction Stalled?
Due to unpaid costs, contractors have halted work on the National Cathedral, causing the project to stagnate. This comes after five members of the project’s board of trustees resigned, demanding an audit and pleading with the government to stop building.
Clergy members have also become divided over the project’s issue, with some questioning the government’s goals.
What Does This Signify for the Priorities of Ghana?
Mahama made references to a potential inquiry into the project throughout his campaign. In the past, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had advocated for the contract to be terminated entirely.
Ghana, a country with a strong religious tradition and a 70% Christian population, is nevertheless divided. In the face of severe economic difficulty, some people consider the National Cathedral a misguided priority, while others see it as an important symbol of the country’s faith.
Whether the National Cathedral serves as a unifying symbol or a warning about poor management will depend on Mahama’s examination and the actions taken by his administration.
