National Cathedral Closed Off Following Heavy Rain on April 23
Accra, Ghana – April 23, 2025 – The National Cathedral construction site was temporarily fenced off following a bout of heavy rain that lashed some sections of Accra on Tuesday. The several-hour rain caused waterlogging and minor flooding in and around the construction site, triggering renewed public concerns regarding safety, drainage facilities, and the fate of the troubled project.
The heavy rains typical of the early rainy season in southern Ghana revealed vulnerabilities in the then-preserved cathedral project, including inadequate site drainage and vulnerable spots at the edges around the half-constructed building. To this end, workers on the site immediately installed safety fences and barriers to prevent unauthorized entry and protect pedestrians and drivers along the adjacent roads.
Some witnesses say that rivers of rainwater washed over sections of the site, accumulating in low-lying areas and making the grounds soggy. Sections of the building site appeared waterlogged, and there were concerns that delays to an already suspended project were likely. "We saw water pouring into some sections of the site, and within minutes, the workers started putting up barricades.". "It's clear the area is not adequately prepared for such rain," said Joseph Mensah, a local who walks by the area every day.
The National Cathedral Secretariat subsequently released a press statement to make the public aware that the temporary fencing was a standard precautionary measure in line with international best practice in bad weather. The statement emphasized that structural integrity will not be undermined and that engineers would be analyzing the site to determine weather impacts. "Our first concern is the safety of workers and members of the general public. We are working in conjunction with all relevant authorities to review and upgrade water drainage mechanisms on-site," the statement continued.
Despite claims by the Secretariat, the accident has stirred controversy about the project, which has faced delays, no money, and splits in public opinion since it was conceived. Its critics imply that the project, originally advertised as a national house of prayer and a unifying icon, has become an investment of taxpayers' money. Others argue that poor planning and transparency have soured its realization.
"The rains have once again shown how ill-prepared this project is, not just financially but structurally also," said the representative of one civil society group that demanded accountability in the government's spending on public infrastructure. "We should rethink our priorities. People are crying due to poor drainage throughout the city, and yet millions have already been spent on a single project that is nowhere near completion."
Its advocates, nonetheless, contend that the weather mishap is politicized and that its long-term cultural and spiritual meaning is more crucial than temporary disappointments. "This is a national landmark. Great works take time and investment. Do not be shortsighted," Reverend Samuel K. Osei, a cleric supporting the project, stated.
While Accra readies itself for impending rains in the coming weeks, the accident serves as a wake-up call of the imperative need for good urban planning and infrastructure resilience. Urban engineers have already begun carrying out other areas exposed for potential checks to prevent further occurrence, while the National Cathedral group has vowed to enhance site management guidelines.
Construction activities are likely to resume as soon as the weather stabilizes and safety evaluations are completed. In the meantime, entry into the vicinity of the cathedral will remain restricted for public safety reasons.
The coming days will likely see increased public scrutiny and pressure on government officials and project managers alike to provide final timelines, accountability, and improved management of the cathedral construction in the face of Ghana's rainy season.
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National Cathedral Closed Off Following Heavy Rain on April 23
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