The Government of Ghana has officially terminated the operations of the National Cathedral Secretariat, effectively bringing to an end one of the most debated and contentious legacy projects of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Initially envisioned as a monumental Christian worship centre to celebrate Ghana’s deep-rooted religious heritage, the National Cathedral project has over the years faced fierce criticism. Much of the public backlash stemmed from concerns over financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the controversial use of state funds, especially at a time when the country has been grappling with significant economic challenges.
The dissolution of the Secretariat marks a significant departure from the previous administration’s policies and comes under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, who has been an outspoken critic of the initiative. President Mahama and members of his government have repeatedly opposed the allocation of public resources for the construction of the Cathedral, describing it as a misplaced priority amid pressing national concerns such as unemployment, inflation, and a rising cost of living.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, confirmed the decision during an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme. He stated that the Mahama-led administration has no intentions of allocating any additional public funds to the controversial project.
“There are unresolved issues regarding procurement and outstanding payments being demanded by contractors,” Kwakye Ofosu noted. “But no one will be held accountable because there is no National Cathedral anymore. It remains a worthless structure. A final decision will be made regarding its future, but what is certain is that President Mahama will not commit GHS400 million of taxpayers’ money to it.”
With the project now halted and the Secretariat dissolved, the future of the partially constructed structure remains uncertain. This latest development has reignited public calls for a comprehensive audit into how taxpayer funds were utilized throughout the life of the project. Civil society organizations, opposition groups, and concerned citizens are demanding full transparency and accountability in the wake of what many now view as a failed national endeavor.
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