Accra, Ghana – President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced an impending investigation into the construction of the National Cathedral.
According to the President, the action is upon the recommendationn by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on the possibke misapplication of public funds.
“On the issue of the National Cathedral, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice directed government to audit the project and investigate any misuse of public funds,” he noted during the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies, UPSA Accra.
President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would adhere to CHRAJ’s directive by initiating a thorough investigation into the controversial project.
“Government is enjoined to follow this directive and will soon activate such an investigation into the project,” he affirmed, signaling his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Building Consensus for Future Projects
The President also called for unity among Ghanaians, particularly the Christian community, to forge a consensus on executing national projects like the National Cathedral without resorting to public funds.
“But on the future of the project, the Cathedral, I believe that all of us as Christians must forge a consensus on how to achieve such a project without recourse to public funds,” he urged.
Financial Concerns and Comparisons
Expressing concern over the project’s financial implications, President Mahama questioned the justification for its staggering $400 million price tag, especially given Ghana’s current economic challenges.
“And this project must be achieved at a reasonable cost in the current circumstances that Ghana is going through. It makes no sense to achieve such a project at a whopping sum of $400 million. I am informed by the National Ecumenical Center in Abuja, which is used by all Christian faith in Nigeria, was built at a cost of $30 million,” he pointed out.
He suggested that Ghana could adopt a more pragmatic and cost-effective approach to such initiatives, emphasizing collaboration between the government and citizens to mobilize the necessary resources.
“I believe that we can reach a more reasonable figure for achieving such a project, and together we can raise the funding for it,” he added.
Reconsideration of Project Plans
President Mahama further hinted that a reconsideration of the National Cathedral project might extend to the current location selected for its construction, leaving room for future consultations among the Christian community.
“Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project. I leave the rest to any such future consultation that we will have as the body of Christ,” he concluded.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
