The symbolic commissioning of the uncompleted National Cathedral project serves as a stark reminder to Ghanaians of the perceived deceit and misinformation associated with the New Patriotic Party, coupled with concerns about corruption and mismanagement of allocated funds.
Critics argue that the government has not adhered to due process in securing funds for the project. Trustee and private donations, originally intended for the construction of President Nana Addo’s personal thank-you package to the Lord for his election to the highest office, have allegedly been marred by corruption.
Speaking on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, expressed discontent with the government’s handling of the project.
Originally scheduled for commissioning on March 6, according to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s 2021 budget statement in Parliament, the National Cathedral has become a focal point of criticism. Minority MPs, dissatisfied with the project’s expenditure, faced challenges entering the construction site but reached an agreement with security personnel to stand at the entrance. There, they planned to conduct a press conference to voice their concerns about the ongoing project and its associated costs.
Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram, emphasized their dissatisfaction by symbolically commissioning the unfinished National Cathedral on behalf of the president and other key figures, stating, “We commission this expensive hole, on behalf of Dr. Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo, and Ken Ofori-Atta.”
In response, Richard Ahiagbah, the Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), affirmed the government’s commitment to the construction of the National Cathedral. He dismissed claims that the project is misguided and asserted that it is progressing.
This development comes in the wake of a symbolic commissioning of the unfinished National Cathedral project by some Minority Members of Parliament, including North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The act aimed to highlight what they perceive as the government’s failure to complete the project, despite being denied direct access to the construction site.
The controversy surrounding the National Cathedral remains a point of contention, with both sides presenting contrasting views on its necessity and the transparency of the project’s execution.
AYM Kukah: E:mail:kukahalexander7@gmail.com
