President John Mahama has said the previous administration should have undertaken broad public consultations before launching the National Cathedral project, arguing that such a major national undertaking required collective input and approval.
Speaking during a meeting with the Christian Council at the Presidency on Tuesday, November 18, Mr. Mahama said the absence of public engagement contributed significantly to the controversy surrounding the project.
“I believe in building an interdenominational place of worship, but it must be done in consultation with all of us. We must all decide how we want to do it, what the scope should be, and how much it should cost,” he told the clergy.
He stressed that transparent dialogue would have fostered national ownership and prevented the mistrust that later characterised discussions about the cathedral.
Reaffirming his support for faith-based institutions, Mr. Mahama noted that he has personally facilitated the construction of 10 rural temples for the Assemblies of God Church, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening religious infrastructure.
The National Cathedral project—announced under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo—was intended to serve as a national Christian worship centre and civic monument. Initially projected to cost around US$100 million, the development stalled amid rising costs, public criticism, and calls for greater accountability.
By late 2024, the project came under intense scrutiny, with CHRAJ calling for a forensic audit and possible prosecution. Although the Board cited a Deloitte audit showing no adverse findings up to December 2020, the future of the project remains uncertain pending the resolution of governance concerns.
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