National Cathedral wasn’t a bad project, but its implementation was poor – Mahama Ayariga

Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that the National Cathedral was not a wrong concept, but the project raised concerns over the manner in which it was implemented.

The National Cathedral was conceived by the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a national Christian place of worship and a symbol of Ghana’s Christian heritage.

The project, announced in 2018, was also expected to include facilities such as a Bible museum, library, conference centre and other spaces for religious and national activities.

Its implementation, however, generated controversy over the use of public funds, procurement arrangements, the acquisition of land and the choice of the project’s location. Construction was eventually stalled, while the project came under a series of audits and investigations amid questions about expenditure and financial management.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for his vetting on Thursday, August 27, the Bawku Central MP said the country’s religious character made the establishment of a national cathedral a legitimate proposition.

According to the former Majority Leader, his concerns were mainly about how the Akufo-Addo administration went about executing the project rather than the idea of having a national cathedral.

“I believe that Ghanaians are deeply religious even though constitutionally, we are regarded as a secular state. I believe that having cathedrals, church buildings, mosques and other worshipping centres are great and exciting things that enable the practice of religions,” he said.

Mr. Ayariga maintained that there was nothing inherently wrong with providing a national worship centre for Christians.

“And so in my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a national cathedral for the Christians of the country,” he added.

Commenting on the specific project initiated by Akufo-Addo, he said, “I don’t see anything wrong with it. I think it was a good idea that was badly executed. I personally had issues with the location.”

The project has remained a major subject of public debate, particularly over the millions of cedis committed to it and concerns raised about its management.

The Mahama administration has subsequently moved to review the project and its related contracts amid ongoing scrutiny of the expenditure.