National Cathedral Board reacts to gov’t’s proposed National Cultural Convention Centre

The Board of Directors of the National Cathedral of Ghana has refuted claims suggesting that the state-designated site for the cathedral project is being converted into a Cultural Convention Centre.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, the Board clarified that no government agency has officially communicated any change in the project’s purpose.

This follows an emergency board meeting held on July 7, 2025.

“The National Cathedral project has not been abandoned, nor has there been any official decision to convert the site into a Cultural Convention Centre. The site remains legally held by the National Cathedral of Ghana, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, with all architectural and design plans tailored specifically for its current religious and cultural vision,” the statement read.

The Board reiterated that the project remains a sacred national symbol, intended to host major religious state functions such as national thanksgiving services and state funerals.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the cathedral is envisioned as a landmark cultural and heritage site. Planned features include a Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, banquet hall, a 350-seat restaurant, library, and conference centre—all designed to promote faith-based tourism and Ghanaian national identity.

According to the statement, approximately 8% of construction had been completed before the project stalled. The delay was attributed to funding challenges and increasing politicisation, which discouraged private donations.

On matters of accountability, the Board referred to an audit conducted by Deloitte and Touche, which confirmed that all public funds allocated to the project were used appropriately, with disbursements made only after verification and under formal contracts.

Looking ahead, the Board said it is considering a revised approach to complete the project through a partnership involving government, the church, and civil society—aimed at reducing political tensions and mobilising the necessary resources.

Dr. Opoku-Mensah noted that the President’s recent declaration of July 1 as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer reinforces the relevance and urgency of completing the cathedral.

“The Board remains fully committed to the vision of the National Cathedral,” he stated, “not only as a national place of worship and unity for the Christian community, but also as an interfaith and cultural space for all Ghanaians.”

The Secretariat urged the public to disregard misinformation and support ongoing efforts to deliver what it describes as a “family house for all Christians” and a unifying national monument.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Nabla, has threatened to sue the Mahama-led government over what she claims is a deviation from the original purpose of the project.

Source: Adomonline.com