Holy Ground or Hollow Promise? The National Cathedral We Keep Debating
A few years ago, I walked past a construction site in the middle of Accra. Dust flying, blocks piled up, and workers sweating under the sun. Someone next to me whispered, “That’s the site for the National Cathedral.” I squinted at the mess and asked, “You sure?” They nodded, and I just muttered, “Eii... okay.”
Fast forward to now—same dust, same mess, but this time, it’s no longer just a construction site. It’s a national controversy.
Let me be honest: I don’t have anything against building a cathedral. I mean, we’ve all sat in packed churches with noisy fans and cracked ceilings, dreaming of something grand. A place worthy of God. Something we can proudly show off when visitors come around. But this one? This National Cathedral? It’s been more drama than devotion.
So far, what we’ve got is a deep hole, rising costs, and a million unanswered questions. And it’s not just about concrete and steel anymore. It’s about politics, trust, and—if we’re being real—what feels like a massive disconnect between leaders and the average Ghanaian hustling to survive.
In my opinion (and I know not everyone will agree), the idea of the cathedral started off with good intentions. A national space for prayer, unity, and faith. That sounds beautiful. But what’s the point of a beautiful vision if the execution is so murky?
We're told millions have been pumped into it. Some say over $58 million. Others say it's more. There’ve been claims of no transparency, missing documents, and some pretty wild expenses. I don’t know the full truth. But the lack of accountability is louder than any choir anthem right now.
I’ve noticed something about us Ghanaians—we want to believe. In God. In government. In progress. But we’ve been disappointed so many times that now, even when someone says “we’re building for God,” we squint and go, “Hmm... how much be your share?”
The National Cathedral has now become a symbol. Not just of faith, but of frustration. For many, it represents the promises politicians make with their chests—and the silence they keep when it’s time to explain what went wrong.
And can we talk about priorities for a second? People can’t access proper healthcare. Schools are struggling. Roads are basically obstacle courses. Yet somehow, there’s always budget space for cement and consultants? Something doesn’t add up.
Some days, I scroll through social media and see new mockups of the cathedral—glass walls, sweeping arches, elegant gardens. Other days, I see real images of the site, still bare, still “under construction.” It’s like watching a dream stuck between a PowerPoint slide and a press conference.
Maybe I’m being too harsh. Maybe the building will eventually rise, and maybe it'll bring people together just like they said it would. But until then, all we’ve got is a half-finished monument and a whole lot of unanswered questions.
So here’s what I’m wondering:
Do we keep building in blind faith?
Or do we finally start demanding that those who claim to serve both God and country show us the receipts?
Because at the end of the day, even God isn’t pleased with dishonesty. So why should we be?