National Cathedral project a crime scene from conception to end – Dr. Kennedy

A physician and political activist, Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has labeled the National Cathedral project as a “crime scene” and a “textbook case” of financial mismanagement and failed leadership.

In a recent interview on Joy News’ Newsfile monitored by Lead News Online, Dr. Kennedy expressed his outrage over the project’s massive cost, estimated at $100 million, and the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding it. Dr. Kennedy questioned the wisdom of investing such a large sum in a cathedral when basic infrastructure and services are lacking in Ghana.

“It’s unconscionable for a country that cannot get clean water, for a government that couldn’t even complete the Krofrom market, for a country where kids go to school under trees,” he said.

Dr. Kennedy criticized the leadership and institutions involved in the project, including former president Akuffo Addo, the cabinet, parliament, and religious leaders. He accused them of poor judgment, misplaced priorities, and a lack of accountability.

“We had a politicized Supreme Court that was signing off on things that the government was doing,” he said. “We had people in parliament who wouldn’t stand up and ensure that the right things are done.”

Dr. Kennedy highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in the project’s management, citing the Deloitte and Touche audit report, which revealed that the board of directors made statements without backing them up with facts or documentation. He also revealed that the board initially refused to release the full audit findings to the public.

The National Cathedral of Ghana was first announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2017 as a pledge to God for electoral victory in the 2016 elections. It was envisioned as a monumental non-denominational Christian edifice in Accra to serve as a national place of worship and a symbol of unity.

Although the project was presented as a public-private partnership, it soon faced criticism when it emerged that state funds were being used extensively without parliamentary oversight. The demolition of public properties, including judges’ bungalows, to make way for the construction only deepened public discontent.

Despite government assurances and a series of fundraising drives, the project has stalled due to financial constraints and management controversies. The total cost has ballooned beyond \$100 million, and several prominent board members have resigned, citing issues of governance and accountability.

Dr. Kennedy described the National Cathedral project as “tainted from the beginning” and a “crime scene” from conception to end.

“Let the National Cathedral stand as a sentinel in the night, warning about what arrogance and power and hubris and people full of themselves who have lost their moorings about the national interest can do to our republic,” he warned.