In recent days, Maleek Basintale, the deputy communications officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has gained significant attention for his outspoken criticism of the current government's handling of the National Cathedral project. In a television interview, Basintale unveiled a controversial pay slip that indicated the project’s overseer receives a substantial monthly salary of 21,000 cedis. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief among Ghanaians, particularly given that the project has been stalled for nearly two years.
During a media gathering yesterday, Dr. Joyce Aryee, a member of the board of trustees for the National Cathedral, addressed the ongoing status of the project. She confirmed that work has indeed been halted, attributing the delay to a lack of funding. Despite an initial allocation of 52 million dollars for the cathedral, Dr. Aryee lamented the absence of significant progress, urging the public to contribute to its completion.
When questioned about the payment of salaries to workers involved in the project, Dr. Aryee stated that such payments must continue, even while construction is paused. Her comments further fueled public discontent, leading many to express disbelief on social media. Citizens have voiced concerns that the government is prioritizing salaries over essential development projects, raising alarms about the nation’s economic struggles.
Basintale took to social media to defend his claims regarding the pay slips, posting on Twitter, "I thought the robots said the payslips I shared were fake. They will hear from us soon. You can't be this wicked to a nation." This post resonated with many Ghanaians, who echoed similar sentiments in response to Dr. Aryee's statements.
The controversy has ignited a debate over government spending and accountability, with many citizens questioning the logic behind salary payments for a project that is not currently active. As discussions continue to unfold online, the public remains divided, with calls for greater transparency regarding the allocation of funds and the management of national projects.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how government officials will respond to the growing calls for accountability. The National Cathedral project, once envisioned as a symbol of unity and faith, now stands at the center of a heated political discourse about governance and fiscal responsibility in Ghana.
The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the ongoing situation, as the conversation around the National Cathedral project and its financial management continues to evolve.
