Former President John Dramani Mahama has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing construction of the National Cathedral, deeming its $400 million cost as unjustifiable in light of Ghana’s current economic difficulties.
He characterized the initiative as a misguided allocation of resources, particularly during a period when the nation is grappling with substantial financial obstacles.
During a Christian National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), President Mahama urged a reevaluation of the project’s viability and proposed exploring alternative methods to realize such a national monument without imposing a financial burden on the public.
The President contrasted Ghana’s National Cathedral initiative with Nigeria’s National Ecumenical Center in Abuja, highlighting the significant disparity in expenses.
He noted that the Ecumenical Center, which accommodates all Christian denominations in Nigeria, was constructed for $30 million, a mere fraction of the proposed $400 million budget for Ghana’s cathedral.
“Regarding the future of the National Cathedral project, I believe it is essential for all Christians to reach a consensus on how to realize such an endeavor without utilizing public funds. This project should be accomplished at a reasonable cost.
“In light of the current situation in Ghana, it is illogical to pursue a project with an exorbitant price tag of $400 million. I have been informed that the National Ecumenical Center in Abuja, which serves all Christian faiths in Nigeria, was built for $30 million.”
The National Cathedral, initially suggested during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was intended to serve as a significant Christian worship center in Ghana.
Nonetheless, the initiative has encountered ongoing difficulties, such as financial constraints, delays in construction, and considerable opposition from multiple sectors.
Opponents have consistently contended that utilizing public funds for the cathedral undermines the tenets of secular governance and the separation of religious and state matters.
