The national cathedral project has been a source of contention between some Ghanaians, the Christian community and other stakeholders. The project according to the President will be a fulfilment of his promise to God and will be funded mainly based on the donations of individuals, churches and corporate social organizations.
Construction of the building commenced in 2019. The Finance Minister denied allegations from the Minority of the release of GHS25 million to the National Secretariat as additional seed money for the project without Parliament’s approval. President Akufo-Addo has reiterated the need to complete the controversial National Cathedral project.
He claims that the project will serve as a show of gratitude to God, whom he says has saved the nation from war and plague throughout the years. The project, whose 2023 budgetary allocation approval has been put on hold, will, in his words, be aimed at giving thanks to God for delivering the country from calamities of civil war that have bedevilled our neighbouring countries and for the outbreak of deadly mass epidemics. It will also serve as a rallying point for the entire Christian community of Ghana, which represents more than 70% of the population.
He spoke at the Black Star Square at the centennial celebration of the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on December 2018. In his remarks to the congregation, President Akufo-Addo also pleaded for Ghanaians’ support in his efforts to improve the nation for all.
The Parliamentary Trades and Industry Committee delayed the approval of the GHS 80 million budgeted for the National Cathedral’s construction on December 13.
The Committee members did not approve the allocation, which was given to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), because they wanted further information from the Minister responsible for the industry. Murtala Mohammed, the MP for Tamale Central, has said that unless the Committee is satisfied, they will approve the Ministry’s estimates without the money designated for the National Cathedral. They requested to know how the remaining GHS 339 million were used, as well as how the GHS80 million were allocated to the Ministry of Tourism’s budget line.
Many people are wondering why the National Cathedral’s building continues to be a major expense in the government’s expenditure plans in the aftermath of the economic slump.
The country has been through turbulent times amidst the COVID – 19 pandemic and the Russian – Ukraine war as well as an economic crisis. Thankfully, things are getting better and our economy is gradually being restored.
However, should the livelihoods and survival of Ghanaians not be a top priority for the government?
There are several dire issues in the country begging for attention from the government. The cost of living is still high, even though we have seen an appreciation of the cedi in the past week. Unfortunately, the government has started the national cathedral project, and of course, it is far more important than the livelihood of the people that it cannot wait.
Priscilla Fumadorh
Priscilla is an entrepreneur and a creative communicator who loves to communicate through writing. She is passionate about national economic issues and does not miss a chance to offer her opinions on them for the good of the country.
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