Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr Dominic Ayine has called on the government to prioritise the completion of stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects rather than committing additional public funds to the construction of Ghana’s National Cathedral.
Speaking at a durbar in Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District during President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to the Upper East Region on August 13, 2026, Dr Ayine responded to renewed calls from prominent religious leaders for the National Cathedral project to be completed.
Dr Ayine argued that funds already spent on the National Cathedral could have been used to complete some of the unfinished district hospitals under Agenda 111, which is aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure across Ghana.
“It is better to complete Agenda 111 than to spend money on the National Cathedral,” Dr Ayine said.
Dominic Ayine Questions National Cathedral Expenditure
The Attorney General referenced a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on expenditure related to the National Cathedral project, saying the findings raised concerns about how the project had been managed.
According to Dr Ayine, the handling of the project did not reflect the appropriate approach to constructing what he described as a “house of God.”
He maintained that the government must carefully consider its priorities at a time when several Agenda 111 hospitals remain incomplete and communities continue to require improved healthcare infrastructure.
Zuarungu Agenda 111 Hospital Included in Completion Plan
Dr Ayine also disclosed that the unfinished Agenda 111 hospital project at Zuarungu has been included in the government’s programme to complete selected stalled health facilities.
The Bolgatanga East MP said he had repeatedly engaged the Minister of Health over the need to complete the facility because of its importance to healthcare delivery in the district.
He revealed that after requesting the Health Minister to provide details of the selected Agenda 111 projects, the Zuarungu hospital in the Bolgatanga East District appeared on the list.
Dr Ayine expressed satisfaction with the development, saying the completion of the hospital would strengthen healthcare delivery, improve access to medical services and address healthcare needs in the district.
National Cathedral Debate Intensifies
Dr Ayine’s comments come amid renewed public debate over the future of the National Cathedral project, particularly following fresh appeals from influential religious figures for the initiative to be completed.
His position highlights the broader debate over government spending, public infrastructure, healthcare investment and national development priorities.
Source: newsthemegh.com