Government has revealed that the previous Akufo-Addo administration spent a staggering $97 million on the National Cathedral project, contrary to the $58 million speculations-despite construction having stalled at the foundation level since 2023.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Jubilee House on Friday, July 18.
According to him, the amount includes an undisclosed $39 million in outstanding payments still owed to the project contractor.
“Before delving into the details of the audit report, it bears noting that documentation available indicates that contrary to the widely held view that total payments and commitments to the National Cathedral Project amounts to $ 58 million so far, there is an additional outstanding $ 39 million payment due the contractor. This will bring the total cost incurred for the hole at the site of the project to $97 million.”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that due to the lopsided nature of the contract, liabilities continue to accumulate daily—even though work on the project has ceased for over a year.
“Also, due to the lopsided nature of the contract, additional costs continue to accrue daily despite the cessation of work on the project years ago,” he said.
The National Cathedral was a flagship initiative of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who pledged to build the monument in honour of God after assuming office in 2017.
The cathedral was envisioned as a national place of Christian worship and unity.
However, the project has been riddled with controversy, including allegations of procurement breaches, lack of financial transparency, and the use of public funds for a religious undertaking—issues that have drawn sharp public criticism and scrutiny.
Launched in 2021, the project was designed to include not only the cathedral itself but also a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, 350-seater restaurant, and a library, aimed at making the complex both a religious and tourist landmark.
Despite the ambitious plans, only 8% of construction has been completed so far.
The $97 million cost emerged from a recent Deloitte and Touche audit, which cited significant financial irregularities and governance failures surrounding the project.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the government’s commitment to full disclosure and accountability, pledging to publish additional findings as investigations into the stalled project continue.
