The government of Ghana has
officially dissolved the National Cathedral Secretariat, marking an end to the
controversial project initiated under the administration of former President
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This announcement was made by the Minister of
State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during a
media engagement that has since generated widespread public interest and
debate.
The National Cathedral project,
which was introduced in 2017, was envisioned as a monumental Christian worship
center to represent Ghana’s religious unity and spiritual identity. Despite its
symbolic intent, the initiative was met with growing concern over its funding, accountability,
and prioritization in the face of the country’s pressing economic challenges.
According to reports monitored from citinewsroom.com and cited by GhanaWeb, the
government has decided not to allocate any further resources toward the
continuation of the project.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that
the government’s current position reflects a broader decision to refocus state
resources on critical areas of national development. He explained that
unresolved issues still surround the project, particularly regarding
procurement procedures and outstanding payments that have not been settled with
the contractor. However, in the absence of an operational secretariat, there is
currently no government institution assigned to take responsibility for addressing
those demands.
He emphasized that the unfinished
structure has now become a dormant edifice, describing it as a space that no
longer holds any function or relevance under the current administration.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the decision was made in the best interest of the
public and is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to ensuring
that taxpayers’ money is used judiciously. He made it clear that the Mahama
administration has no intention of investing any additional public funds into the
project.
The Minister’s remarks come at a
time when the country is facing significant fiscal constraints and ongoing
calls for government to prioritize essential sectors such as healthcare,
education, and job creation. Many citizens and civil society groups have long
criticized the project for its heavy financial implications, especially at a
time when the nation continues to grapple with economic recovery.
Originally championed as a legacy
project by the Akufo-Addo-led administration, the National Cathedral was to be
funded through a combination of state support and voluntary contributions from
churches and individuals. However, reports over the years revealed that
substantial public funds had already been committed to the construction despite
initial assurances of private-sector-led financing.
Concerns about transparency in the
handling of the project’s finances further intensified public scrutiny, with
critics demanding accountability for the disbursement of funds and the
justification for continuing the project amid pressing national issues. These
growing concerns appeared to have played a role in influencing the government's
decision to dissolve the secretariat and withdraw further financial support.
The dissolution of the National
Cathedral Secretariat signifies a shift in national policy direction regarding
the use of public funds for large-scale religious or symbolic infrastructure
projects. It reflects a decision-making approach rooted in practical governance
and financial accountability, as highlighted by government officials.
Though the structure remains
incomplete, the government has not yet disclosed what future decisions may be
made regarding the site or the existing infrastructure. It remains to be seen
whether the project will be repurposed, handed over to private stakeholders, or
left abandoned indefinitely.
The decision to dissolve the
secretariat has drawn mixed reactions across the country. While some applaud
the move as a responsible use of public office and a necessary response to
growing economic pressures, others believe the project still holds national and
religious significance that should not be disregarded.
Despite differing opinions, the
government maintains that the priority now lies in ensuring economic stability
and addressing the urgent needs of citizens. By redirecting state funding from
the National Cathedral project to other sectors, it hopes to alleviate some of
the burdens faced by communities across the country.
The National Cathedral project, once
considered a symbol of national faith, has now become a topic of reflection for
the country as it evaluates the role of symbolic infrastructure in national
development. As the conversation continues, the government's decision is
expected to influence future considerations on the alignment of national
projects with citizens’ everyday needs and priorities.
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