Ghanaians Descend Heavily On Christian Council For Begging Mahama To Finish National Cathedral

Many Ghanaians have expressed anger towards the Christian Council of Ghana after it appealed to President John Mahama to ensure the completion of the stalled National Cathedral project. The Council’s request has triggered widespread criticism, with citizens questioning why public resources should be directed towards a cathedral when the country continues to struggle with serious challenges in education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment.

The controversy followed a meeting between the Christian Council and President Mahama at the Jubilee House, where the religious organisation urged him to support efforts to complete the project. Although Ghana is experiencing economic difficulties, the Council believes the National Cathedral could become an important spiritual and cultural landmark for future generations.

The Council’s Vice Chairman, Rev. Enoch Thompson, stressed that the project should be completed through a transparent, accountable and inclusive arrangement. He outlined three recommendations, including continued government commitment, financial contributions from churches, private businesses and international partners, and the recognition of the cathedral as a national project that promotes unity among different Christian denominations.

However, the appeal has not gone down well with many members of the public. Several Ghanaians argue that the country has more pressing priorities, including unemployment, the rising cost of living, inadequate hospital facilities and poor learning conditions in some schools. They believe government attention should focus on improving these areas rather than reviving the cathedral project.

The Gallant Cadres of NDC, a pro-NDC group, also criticised the Council’s position, describing its appeal as unnecessary and unproductive. The group argued that the cathedral originated from an individual’s personal religious commitment and should not be treated as a national responsibility. It maintained that public resources would be better spent on essential services such as education and healthcare.

Social media users have equally voiced their frustration, questioning the proposed billion-dollar cost and suggesting that the money could instead support factories, job creation and other development projects. Some have also criticised religious leaders for prioritising the cathedral while ordinary citizens face economic hardship.

Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah joined the criticism, advising President Mahama to ignore the Council’s appeal. He described the unfinished project site as a major swimming pool, highlighting the controversy surrounding its current condition.

Meanwhile, the government has maintained that it will not use public funds to finance the proposed $1 billion cathedral. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has reiterated that taxpayers’ money will not be committed to the project.

Consequently, many critics insist that churches and other interested supporters should raise the necessary funds themselves rather than place the financial responsibility on struggling Ghanaians.

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