Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, says the National Cathedral project initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was a good idea but was poorly executed.
Speaking at his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, the former Majority Leader said he did not oppose the establishment of a national cathedral, but had concerns about how the project was conceived and implemented, particularly its location.
The National Cathedral was a flagship project of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, announced as a national Christian monument and place of worship.
The project, however, became embroiled in controversy over its financing, use of public funds, procurement processes, choice of location and the eventual suspension of construction.
According to Mr. Ayariga, the problems surrounding the project did not make the original idea inappropriate, although he disagreed with some of the decisions taken in implementing it.
“I believe that Ghanaians are deeply religious even though constitutionally, we are regarded as a secular state. I believe that having cathedrals, church buildings, mosques and other worshipping centres are great and exciting things that enable the practice of religions,” he said.
“And so in my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a national cathedral for the Christians of the country.”
Referring specifically to the project initiated by former President Akufo-Addo, he added, “I don’t see anything wrong with it. I think it was a good idea that was badly executed. I personally had issues with the location.”
The project has attracted sustained public scrutiny over the years, particularly after millions of cedis in public funds were committed to it despite its original emphasis on private and religious contributions.
The controversy deepened after construction stalled and audits and investigations raised questions about expenditure, procurement and the management of funds allocated to the project.
