The spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who is the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has acknowledged that the government should have suspended the controversial National Cathedral project. He referred to the public outcry over the project as a "big lesson" for the NPP, which, he believes, played a role in the party's defeat in the 2024 general election.
Being launched by President Akufo-Addo in 2018, the National Cathedral project has faced widespread criticism, with growing calls for accountability regarding the more than GH¢225 million spent on its construction.
In an interview with Joy News, Aboagye reflected on the project's impact on the party, stating:
"There's this issue with the National Cathedral. You may feel strongly about it, but if people reject it, you must learn from it. In the future, you might hold a national address and say, 'I've been working on this project, but the feedback I'm getting is that you don't want it.'"
He emphasized the importance of clear and effective communication in future projects, criticizing how the National Cathedral was handled:
"From the demolition phase to the marking of the site, I don’t think the communication was managed properly. When you fail in that regard, you allow your critics to dominate the conversation. The biggest lesson from the National Cathedral is that we let people, who gain politically from the fallout, drive the narrative."
Aboagye added that the NPP is learning from this experience and is focused on rebuilding public trust in preparation for future elections.
CHRAJ Investigation into the National Cathedral
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has cried out for an investigation into the Board of Trustees overseeing the National Cathedral project. In a report dated November 22, 2024, signed by Commissioner Dr. Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ revealed that over GH¢225 million had been spent on the project by May 31, 2022.
The report pointed out violations of the Procurement Act (Act 663) and emphasized the need to ensure value for money, given the significant public interest. CHRAJ recommended a thorough investigation and potential prosecution of those involved.
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