Since the inception of the national cathedral project, many Ghanaians and stakeholders have raised varied concerns about its construction. In the face of all opposition and allegations, the government is determined to push through with the project.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is the founder of the Lighthouse Group of Churches and a former trustee of the controversial national cathedral project. Although the renowned preacher was a trustee and attended all meetings until his resignation, he said that he was not involved in or informed of discussions on the project’s financial and technical concerns. He also noted a major concern being that there were important issues and decisions made by people who were not members of the Board of Trustees. This does not depict truthfulness and transparency on the part of the government.
In his resignation letter, which was dated August 2022 and obtained by Citi FM, the preacher noted that all of his ideas and proposals had been trivialized and tossed aside. He claimed that despite his support for the Cathedral’s construction, these factors forced him to resign from the board. Bishop Heward – Mills further lamented how he had been present and available for all meetings both in-person and on Zoom and that they were records to prove that.
There have been also questions regarding the project’s relevance in light of the current economic crisis in the country, in addition to the accountability issues that the Minority in Parliament has constantly brought up such as the expose by Hon. Samuel OKudzeto Ablakwa on disbursement of the scandalous GHS2.6 million cash transfer from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited.
Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, who serves as both the secretary of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees and the founder of Power Chapel Worldwide, has also been accused of conflict of interest, having many identities, and other shady business transactions.
Meanwhile, these allegations have been refuted by Dr Paul Opoku Mensah, executive director of the National Cathedral of Ghana.
The national cathedral project has been premised on falsehood, deceit and manipulation of the public. It is rather ironic that such a “sacred” project should be treated with this much disdain. All investigations concerning the project must be carried out thoroughly and if anyone is found palpable of wrongdoing, they should be brought to book by the relevant authorities. Also, monies that have been wrongfully transferred in support of the national cathedral should be reimbursed.
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.