The construction of a national cathedral has generated heated arguments in the country and beyond in recent times. The National Cathedral of Ghana is intended to be an interdenominational place for religious activities of the nation, like state funerals and presidential inaugural services.
The design of the building was revealed by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, in March 2018. The infrastructure will have an auditorium capacity of 5,000 persons and a place for baptism. The church will also have a music school, an art gallery, and a bible museum.
Controversies Surrounding the Project
There seems to be a rage over the construction of the National Cathedral project using taxpayers’ money. Many have said that the finances used for building the cathedral, should have been invested in the schools, hospitals and infrastructure, and other relevant stuff the country needs.
A professor at the Department of African American Studies & Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University, Dr. Okeke-Agulu, also disagreed with these critics. He stated in his article that although Africa has endemic problems, the critics are wrong to connect them to this project.
He debated by claiming that Ghana will have a global architectural landmark and the building, as a religious and cultural institution, will be supported by diverse parts of the population, beyond just the church and the state. The leading political party in Ghana now supports this idea, whereas the opposition supports the former.
Are There any Illegalities?
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reported that the revered man of God, Dr. Mensa Otabil has stopped attending meetings of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees. He claimed that the ruling party’s misuse of state resources to fund the project is what advised the man of God’s decision.
Dr. Mensa Otabil is one of the revered and most influential pastors in Ghana. The man of God teaches his followers and non-followers to be truthful and good citizens. Many Ghanaians are puzzled by his decision and are now wondering if the claim of the MP is true.
In Ghana, many public funds are unaccounted for, and it is becoming a norm in the country, but are public funds dished out for illegal activities with the claim of building a temple for the Almighty God? Is the state constructing a National Cathedral based on lies and corruption at the expense of the taxpayers’ money?
Although many have expressed worry about this project, Dr. Mensah leaving the board of directors somehow gives credence to the claims of the illegalities alleged by the opposition party.