Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the clergy to work with the government to find a way to complete the controversial National Cathedral project.
Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders in the Greater Accra Region, Dr. Bawumia underscored the significance of the project for Ghana and emphasized the need for unity between the church and the government to secure private funding.
“The church has to come together and meet the government so that we talk about the way forward. The church must come together and let the government know the best way forward on how we can get private resources to help us complete the National Cathedral”, he stated on Monday.
Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism that collective efforts could resolve the current impasse. “I think if we all come together, we will figure it out because we cannot leave it where it is,” he added.
Background
The National Cathedral project was initiated as a fulfillment of a vow President Akufo-Addo made to God before his 2016 election victory.
The project features a 5,000-seat auditorium and aims to provide a national park, introduce new skills and technology, create jobs, and attract tourists.
In 2021, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced that the government would commission the National Cathedral on March 6, 2024. However, construction has stalled despite millions of dollars already spent. The project has faced funding issues and controversy, including allegations of fund misapplication.
Rev. Kusi Boateng, a board member of the project, is under investigation by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for alleged conflict of interest and other criminal activities.
MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned CHRAJ, accusing Rev. Boateng of transferring GH¢2.6 million from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, a company he allegedly owns under a different identity.
