Ghana's government is under scrutiny as it pledges to audit the $400 million cathedral project, originally championed by former President Akufo-Addo, stirring division among citizens grappling with a severe economic crisis.
Ghana's New Leadership to Review $400 Million Cathedral Project Amid Economic Struggles
Ghana's New Leadership to Review $400 Million Cathedral Project Amid Economic Struggles
President Mahama announces investigation into the controversial National Cathedral amid rising public dissent and economic challenges.
The controversial construction of the $400 million National Cathedral in Ghana is facing fresh scrutiny from the newly-elected President John Mahama. The initiative, originally proposed by the former president Nana Akufo-Addo, has seen a significant portion of taxpayer money—approximately $58 million—spent without any tangible progress, leaving behind only a large hole in the ground on a prime site previously occupied by government buildings.
Ghana, a predominantly Christian nation, had the cathedral envisioned as a multi-use religious edifice for national services, alongside a Bible museum and conference center, aimed at unifying the Christian community. However, as the economic landscape worsens, the project has become increasingly contentious.
During a recent thanksgiving service, President Mahama confirmed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended an audit for the cathedral’s funding, and he pledged to initiate such an investigation. Notably, while he did not entirely dismiss the idea of completing the cathedral, he highlighted the need for a revised cost structure that aligns with the nation's current fiscal challenges.
With inflation still high at 23.8%, despite improvements since a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year, Mahama's administration is committed to reversing what they refer to as "wasteful expenditure". His Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, echoed this sentiment by indicating that the use of public funds for the cathedral project would cease.
Before Mahama assumed office, tensions regarding the project had been mounting, with many citizens questioning its validity amid pressing needs in healthcare and education. Critics within the opposition party had consistently pressured the previous administration to abandon the plans altogether, arguing that the funds could be better utilized in critical sectors.
Adding to the scandal, several members of the cathedral's board of trustees have resigned, calling into question the integrity of the project's financial management. The widespread sentiment is that building a grand cathedral at such a high cost is unreasonable when basic services are lacking, with one lawmaker bluntly noting the urgent health crises facing the country.
As Ghana navigates this economic crisis, many citizens are skeptical about the government's priorities and hopeful for a reconsideration of the controversial cathedral amidst pressing national issues.
Ghana, a predominantly Christian nation, had the cathedral envisioned as a multi-use religious edifice for national services, alongside a Bible museum and conference center, aimed at unifying the Christian community. However, as the economic landscape worsens, the project has become increasingly contentious.
During a recent thanksgiving service, President Mahama confirmed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has recommended an audit for the cathedral’s funding, and he pledged to initiate such an investigation. Notably, while he did not entirely dismiss the idea of completing the cathedral, he highlighted the need for a revised cost structure that aligns with the nation's current fiscal challenges.
With inflation still high at 23.8%, despite improvements since a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year, Mahama's administration is committed to reversing what they refer to as "wasteful expenditure". His Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, echoed this sentiment by indicating that the use of public funds for the cathedral project would cease.
Before Mahama assumed office, tensions regarding the project had been mounting, with many citizens questioning its validity amid pressing needs in healthcare and education. Critics within the opposition party had consistently pressured the previous administration to abandon the plans altogether, arguing that the funds could be better utilized in critical sectors.
Adding to the scandal, several members of the cathedral's board of trustees have resigned, calling into question the integrity of the project's financial management. The widespread sentiment is that building a grand cathedral at such a high cost is unreasonable when basic services are lacking, with one lawmaker bluntly noting the urgent health crises facing the country.
As Ghana navigates this economic crisis, many citizens are skeptical about the government's priorities and hopeful for a reconsideration of the controversial cathedral amidst pressing national issues.
