Ayariga: National Cathedral site returned to state pending AG’s audit assessment

The National Cathedral project site has been returned to the government as authorities await the Attorney-General’s assessment of a forensic audit into expenditure on the controversial project.

The National Cathedral project was launched under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo as a national Christian worship centre and symbol of gratitude to God. However, the project has faced criticism over its cost, funding arrangements and management, leading to growing calls for accountability.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed the development during the Government Accountability Series on October 5th in Accra, stating that the site has reverted to state control while the government considers its next course of action.

“Given that the National Cathedral is a property of the Government of Ghana, I’ve also directed the contractor to hand over the site to the Minister of Local Government and Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs,” he said.

He explained that the government would not make any decisions on the future of the project until the Attorney-General completes a review of the forensic audit conducted into spending associated with the cathedral’s construction plans.

“After the Attorney-General has reviewed the forensic audit that has been conducted into the expenditures related to the initial plans to construct a National Cathedral, we would know what the next steps are,” he stated.

The minister also announced that the National Cathedral Board of Trustees has been dissolved following the government’s decision not to commit additional public funds to the project. According to him, board members have already been formally notified of the decision.

“And so I have sent the letter to the board members informing them that they have been dissolved,” Mr. Ayariga said. “For now, the Board of Trustees stands dissolved, and the site reverts to the Ministry of Local Government.”

He added that, government recently directed the Board of Trustees to hand over the project site by October 31, 2026, as part of efforts to determine the future of the development.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General’s review of the forensic audit is expected to play a key role in shaping decisions on whether the project will continue and under what conditions.