President John Dramani Mahama says the National Cathedral should not be financed with taxpayers’ money, arguing that Christians could collectively mobilise the funds needed to complete the project.
Editorial Label: VERIFIED — PRESIDENTIAL REMARK CONFIRMED
Mahama Suggests GH¢1,000 Contribution
President John Dramani Mahama has suggested that Christians in Ghana could contribute GH¢1,000 each towards the construction of a National Cathedral rather than relying on taxpayers’ money to finance the project.
Mahama made the remarks during a citizens’ engagement in Wa as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour.
Explaining his position on the controversial project, the President said he had no objection to Ghana having a National Cathedral but maintained that public funds should not be used to finance its construction.
“If we all pay 1,000 cedis each, we should be able to construct a national cathedral.”
He argued that Ghana’s Christian community has sufficient numbers to mobilise the resources required and suggested that Christian organisations outside Ghana could also contribute.
Not a Mandatory GH¢1,000 Payment
The President’s comment does not amount to an announcement of a GH¢1,000 government charge or mandatory contribution on Christians.
Rather, Mahama was presenting voluntary contributions as a possible alternative funding model for the National Cathedral.
His central argument was that taxpayers’ money should not be used to finance the project.
Mahama Says National Cathedral Was Not a National Policy
Mahama also explained why his administration has not treated the National Cathedral like other projects inherited from the previous government.
According to him, the National Cathedral was a personal pledge made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo to God, rather than a national policy that his administration was obligated to continue.
He nevertheless stressed that he was not against the construction of a National Cathedral.
Concerns Over the Location
The President renewed his concerns about the location of the proposed cathedral.
He pointed to the concentration of major public facilities in the area, including Parliament, the International Conference Centre, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the National Theatre.
Mahama argued that placing another major facility in the area could create congestion, particularly during major national events.
Demolished Properties Also Raise Concerns
Mahama further criticised the destruction of properties that occurred during preparations for the project.
He mentioned the demolition of 10 judges’ residences, the residence of the Malian Ambassador and the old passport office, among other properties.
The President questioned the extent of the destruction and said some of the affected properties had not been replaced.
Forensic Audit Completed
President Mahama also disclosed that a forensic audit of the National Cathedral project has been completed and is currently with the Attorney-General.
He said a copy would be made available to the Christian Council of Ghana so that it could examine how almost US$90 million associated with the project was spent and determine whether corrective action is necessary.
Christian Council Forms Technical Committee
The disclosure comes amid renewed discussions about the future of the stalled National Cathedral project.
The Christian Council of Ghana recently established a technical committee to examine possible funding arrangements, the location and other outstanding issues surrounding the project.
The committee has been given one month to make recommendations on the way forward.
GhanaMedia Verification
VERIFIED — PRESIDENTIAL REMARK CONFIRMED.
President Mahama did make the GH¢1,000 contribution remark.
However, the statement should not be reported as a new compulsory payment or government directive requiring Christians to pay GH¢1,000.
It was presented by the President as a possible voluntary funding approach to avoid using taxpayers’ money for the National Cathedral.
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Sources
- MyJoyOnline — Christians can build National Cathedral if each contributes GH¢1,000 – Mahama
- MyJoyOnline — Mahama says he will continue inherited policies but not Akufo-Addo’s personal Cathedral pledge
- MyJoyOnline — Christian Council sets up committee to find way forward for National Cathedral
- OnuaOnline — Mahama responds to calls for continuation of National Cathedral
