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President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to reassess the controversial National Cathedral project, which has faced significant criticism under the previous administration.
Speaking at his first National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra on Sunday (12 January) President Mahama pledged to review the cost of the project and explore alternative funding options to ensure its completion in a cost-effective manner.
“This project must be completed at a reasonable cost. Given the current circumstances that Ghana is facing, it makes no sense to undertake such a project at a whopping sum of $400 million. I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which serves all Christian denominations in Nigeria, was built at a cost of $30 million. I believe we can achieve this project at a much more reasonable figure, and together, we can raise the necessary funds,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama also signaled the possibility of relocating the project, emphasizing the need for a fresh look at its execution.
“Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over the use of public funds, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would not finance the project with state resources.
“On the future of the project, the Cathedral, I believe that all of us, as Christians, must forge a consensus on how to achieve this project without recourse to public funds,” he said.
The National Cathedral project was initiated by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who described it as a personal promise to God before winning the 2016 elections. While he initially claimed that public funds would not be used, subsequent revelations indicated that the state, through then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, had allocated public funds for its construction.
The project has been further clouded by allegations of misconduct involving some members of the Board of Trustees, leading to delays in its completion. The building, located in central Accra, remains incomplete amidst ongoing public debate.
In response to the controversies, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) called for a forensic audit by the Auditor-General to identify any financial irregularities and recommend prosecution for those found culpable.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom.
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