Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that John Dramani Mahama will not continue the construction of the National Cathedral initiated by President Akufo-Addo.
According to Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo, the cathedral is a personal commitment between President Akufo-Addo and his faith, and no one else should take up this project.
Speaking on Onua TV’s ‘Maakye’ show, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo expressed that it would be a failure on President Akufo-Addo’s part if he did not fulfill his promise to build the cathedral.
He mentioned that other churches have managed to construct larger auditoriums with less money, questioning why the government faces difficulties completing the National Cathedral.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo firmly stated that under John Mahama’s leadership, the NDC would focus on priorities essential for the country, and building the National Cathedral would not be one.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the construction of the National Cathedral during Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations.
He described the cathedral as a fulfillment of a personal vow to God made during his election campaign: if he won the 2016 presidential election, he would build a national cathedral.
The president envisioned the cathedral as a place to thank God for his blessings on the nation, to call the nation to prayer and worship, to promote national discussions on the role of faith in Ghana’s development, and to inspire values that would help build a new Ghanaian civilization.
However, seven years later, Ghana’s taxpayers have spent $58 million on the project, which, as of April 2024, has not progressed as anticipated. The estimated cost to complete the cathedral is $450 million, and it is unclear whether the necessary funds are available.
By mid-2022, various church denominations had contributed GH¢2.21 million ($164,000) towards the construction, a significant amount but insufficient to cover the remaining costs.
Appearing on Onua TV’s ‘Maakye’ show on Monday, June 24th, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo reiterated that he does not believe John Mahama will assume the responsibility of completing the National Cathedral.
He emphasized that it would be a failure for President Akufo-Addo if he did not fulfill his promise.
LISTEN TO DR. SAMUEL OFOSU-AMPOFO IN THIS AUDIO:
Regarding the NDC’s preparations for the 2024 general elections, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo urged the Electoral Commission to employ experienced public relations officers to communicate on their behalf.
He argued that the commissioners should not speak directly to avoid miscommunication and maintain public trust in the Electoral Commission.
LISTEN TO DR. SAMUEL OFOSU-AMPOFO AGAIN IN THIS AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
