Ghana’s government, under newly elected President John Mahama, has announced plans to investigate the controversial $400 million National Cathedral project, which has sparked widespread debate amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis. The project, initially championed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, was envisioned as a national landmark and place of worship for Ghana’s Christian majority, representing a sacred space for religious services and housing a Bible museum and conference center. However, with $58 million of taxpayer money already spent, little progress has been made, leaving behind only a large crater on a prime plot of land in central Accra.
The project has drawn sharp criticism, especially considering Ghana’s current economic hardships. In response to mounting pressure, Mahama said the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) had directed an audit of the project to assess any misuse of public funds. He suggested that while he did not rule out completing the cathedral, the project’s cost would need to be reduced to more reasonable figures. Mahama acknowledged the possibility of relocating the cathedral to a different site, emphasizing that it should reflect the country’s financial realities.
The building of the cathedral, which was to be privately funded, has faced setbacks, including stalled construction due to unpaid contractor bills. Mahama’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, also signaled that no further public money would be used for the project, citing the need to cut wasteful government expenditures.
In Parliament, opposition lawmakers have criticized the project, questioning the wisdom of spending such an enormous sum on a religious monument when pressing issues such as healthcare and education are underfunded. Former President Akufo-Addo’s initial pledge to build the cathedral as a gesture of gratitude to God has now become a source of division in a country struggling with rising inflation and a significant IMF bailout.
The future of the $400m cathedral project remains uncertain as investigations continue. The nation waits to see whether a more feasible solution will be found.
