Minister-designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer has Urged Ghanaians, especially the Minority in Parliament to support the construction and completion of the National Cathedral.
The National Cathedral which has raised several controversies is one of President Akufo-Addo’s promises made to God and the people of Ghana prior to the 2016 elections.
At a sod-cutting ceremony in 2020, President Akufo-Addo said “I made a pledge to almighty God that He was gracious enough to grant my party, the NPP, and I victory in the 2016 elections after two unsuccessful attempts, so I will help build a cathedral to his glory and honour.”
Speaking at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, former Finance Minister, Mr. Ofori-Atta also noted that the National Cathedral has the potential to build robust infrastructure for economic growth adding that the National Cathedral when completed, has the potential to bring in millions of dollars in revenue and must be seen as an economic venture as well.
But some Civil Society groups and the Minority in Parliament opposed the project indicating that there are more pressing issues in the country than constructing a Cathedral.
Appearing before the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Minister-designate said ” The National Cathedral project was well planned and the President took a position that it was something that needed to be done between the state and the private sector. Unfortunately, I don not know the position of financing as of today but I believe that the private contribution as expected was not forthcoming”
The Minister-Designate, also noted that since the source of funding for the project was not approved by Parliament, hence the delay in putting the structure adding that, the Minority in Parliament should support the project.
“But I will entreat Parliament to support the project because obviously some public funds have gone in there and we cannot allow it to sit the way it is”, he stressed.
The National Cathedral according to the President is expected to be commissioned on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, but the project as of March 5, 2024, is still at the foundation level and is now termed “the most expensive hole”.
