Ablakwa expresses his concern about the chosen model for the national cathedral project in Ghana
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing North Tongu, has expressed his concern about the chosen model for the national cathedral project in Ghana, describing it as the most imprudent approach ever employed for a national endeavor.
Ablakwa elaborated on his stance, pointing out a series of extensive demolitions that have taken place. He highlighted the demolition of significant structures such as the Scholarship Secretariat, the passport head office, the Judicial Training Institute, and Judges’ bungalows, which even led to the resignation of a prominent Appeal Court judge in protest. He also mentioned the demolition of the residence of the Malian ambassador, a situation that has caused diplomatic tensions with calls for a replacement.
Speaking during an interview on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Ablakwa, in collaboration with five other minority members, initiated a private member’s motion to demand an investigation into the stalled national cathedral project, despite the infusion of approximately 58 million dollars into the construction.
As a result, Parliament has taken action to establish an ad-hoc committee responsible for conducting an inquiry into all aspects related to the National Cathedral project. The committee’s mandate includes making suitable recommendations for parliamentary consideration.
Ablakwa emphasized that the call for an investigation revolves around concerns of mismanagement, irregularities, violations of procurement protocols, lawlessness, and conflicts of interest associated with the national cathedral project.
He clarified that the motivation for this inquiry is not rooted in opposition to building a place of worship, but rather in addressing the widespread issues surrounding the project. He pointed out that while Ghana already boasts numerous places of worship, the prioritization of the national cathedral over other pressing matters has raised questions among the Ghanaian populace.
In response, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, affirmed that all entities affected by the demolition of their structures to make way for the National Cathedral have been duly compensated by the government. He clarified that these institutions have been allocated alternative public spaces to continue their operations and activities.
During his appearance before Parliament, Jinapor refuted claims suggesting that affected entities were not adequately compensated. He assured that both public and private institutions that faced demolitions have been fairly compensated and relocated to various areas within Accra.
Source – citinewsroom.com
