President John Dramani Mahama has stated that his administration is awaiting the results of a forensic audit regarding the National Cathedral project before deciding on the next steps. He emphasized the importance of transparency, national consultation, and a realistic cost structure.
This statement came after a courtesy visit from the Christian Council at the Jubilee House, during which the Council urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to completing the cathedral within a more accountable and inclusive framework.
Led by Vice Chairman Rev. Enoch Thompson, the Council recognized the current economic difficulties facing Ghana but asserted that a well-managed cathedral project could serve as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark.
The delegation put forth three recommendations: that the government restate its commitment to the project, that funding sources be expanded to include churches, private sector stakeholders, and international partners, and that the cathedral be established as an interdenominational national symbol that unifies Ghanaians.
During the meeting in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, President Mahama clarified that although the National Cathedral’s Board of Trustees had already commissioned and released a standard audit, the results raised sufficient concerns to necessitate a more thorough, independent investigation.
“The board of trustees commissioned an audit of the National Cathedral’s accounts. The audit was made public, and several issues emerged from it,” he stated.
“There are two types of audits. One is a standard audit where you select your auditor. The other is a forensic audit. We received a copy of the initial audit, and as President, I instructed that a forensic audit be carried out. We seek to understand what transpired, and thus we await that report. Once the forensic audit is finalized, we can determine the next steps.”
President Mahama reiterated his conviction regarding the significance of a national place of worship but insisted that such a project must be guided by collective consensus and transparency.
“I identify as a Christian and hold the belief that constructing a place for worshiping God is a commendable endeavor,” he stated.
He shared his personal experiences in church construction projects, which included assisting in fundraising for the Ringway Gospel Centre of the Assemblies of God and the establishment of 10 rural church temples.
“I truly support the idea of an inter-denominational venue for worship, but it is essential that this is approached with the input of all stakeholders. We must collectively determine the method, the extent, and the financial implications of such a project.”
He characterized the estimated cost for the National Cathedral as impractical.
“In this current era, amidst the various challenges we face, allocating $400 million for a cathedral is unreasonable,” he remarked.
He proposed that a more modest national worship center—one that could accommodate significant national events like a Day of Thanksgiving—would be more in line with the nation’s economic realities.
The President assured the delegation that once the forensic audit report is completed, his administration will conduct extensive consultations with the Christian community to explore how to create a dignified and economically feasible place of worship for the country.
