President John Mahama has criticised the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government over the cost of the abandoned National Cathedral project.
According to Mr Mahama, the proposed cost is excessive, and he believes the building can be completed at a more reasonable amount.
He pointed out that a similar facility in Nigeria was constructed at a much lower cost than the one planned for Ghana.
“This project must be completed at a reasonable cost. Given the current circumstances Ghana is facing, it makes no sense to undertake such a project at a staggering sum of $400 million. I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which serves all Christian denominations in Nigeria, was built at a cost of $30 million. I believe we can achieve this project at a much more reasonable figure, and together, we can raise the necessary funds,” he said.
Speaking at his first National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra on Sunday, January 12, Mr Mahama added that his government might decide to continue the project, and the location could also be reconsidered. “Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project,” he noted.
The National Cathedral project, initiated by former President Akufo-Addo, was set to cost $400 million. Akufo-Addo had originally stated that the project would be funded through private fundraising efforts rather than public funds; however, it later emerged that state funds were being used.
Despite the use of public funds, the project remains incomplete, with accusations of mismanagement of the funds by those tasked with overseeing the work. The former government has since faced significant criticism for alleged corruption or possible financial loss to the state.
Meanwhile, Mahama reaffirmed that his government would not use state funds to complete the cathedral. “On the future of the project, the Cathedral, I believe that all of us, as Christians, must forge a consensus on how to achieve this project without recourse to public funds,” he stated.
Currently, the project is at the foundation stage. Once completed, the National Cathedral will serve as a denominational centre for religious bodies in the country, providing a venue for their activities.
It is also intended to become a tourist site, featuring several facilities such as a museum, learning centre, and other auxiliary amenities.