President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his position that taxpayers’ money should not be used to finance the construction of Ghana’s National Cathedral, arguing that the Christian community has the capacity to mobilise the necessary funds for the project.
President Mahama explained that he does not oppose the idea of a National Cathedral in Ghana, but believes the project should be funded by Christians and other willing supporters rather than through public funds.
Speaking during a citizens’ engagement as part of his tour of the Upper West Region, the President said the use of taxpayers’ money was one of his major concerns about the project.
“My second problem was that we shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money.”
He argued that Ghana’s large Christian population could collectively raise sufficient funds to complete the facility.
“I mean, how many Christians are in this country? If we all pay 1,000 cedis each, we should be able to construct a national cathedral,” he said.
Mahama Questions Location of National Cathedral
President Mahama also reiterated his concerns about the location of the National Cathedral, saying the proposed site is surrounded by several important public institutions and facilities.
He mentioned Parliament, the International Conference Centre, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the National Theatre among the major facilities located in the area.
According to him, adding another major facility to the area could create congestion, particularly during major national events when large numbers of people converge in the vicinity.
“My principle has always been that the location has been a problem,” President Mahama said.
He noted that the proximity of the stadium and other public facilities already places significant pressure on the area during national ceremonies.
“So if you go and put this major thing there again, it will constrict that whole area,” he added.
President Raises Concerns Over Demolished Properties
The President further criticised the demolition of properties to clear the site for the National Cathedral project.
He said several properties were demolished, including residences for judges, the residence of the Malian Ambassador and the old passport office.
“My problem was also that the amount of destruction we had to cause to clear the area; broke 10 judges’ residences.”
President Mahama also stated that the residence of the Malian Ambassador was demolished and had not been replaced, alongside other properties that were cleared to make way for the project.
National Cathedral Forensic Audit Completed
President Mahama disclosed that the forensic audit into the National Cathedral project has been completed and is currently with the Attorney-General.
He said the Christian Council of Ghana would receive a copy of the audit so that its members could examine how funds allocated to the project were spent.
The President put the amount under review at almost US$90 million, saying the audit could help identify areas where corrective measures may be required.
“The forensic audit is ready; it’s with the Attorney General, and I’ll make a copy of it available to the Christian Council so that they can look at the processes of what went into the expenditure of the 90 million dollars,” he said.
He added that any necessary corrective action could then be taken jointly with the Christian community.
Mahama Says National Cathedral Was Not a National Policy
President Mahama also explained why he considers the National Cathedral project different from other initiatives inherited from the previous administration.
He said his government remains committed to continuing projects and policies inherited from the former administration where they serve the interests of Ghanaians.
However, he maintained that the National Cathedral does not fall into that category because, in his view, it was not a national policy but a personal pledge made by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“It was a personal pledge by the former president to God. So that one, it wasn’t national policy,” President Mahama stated.
The President stressed that his position should not be interpreted as opposition to the construction of a National Cathedral.
“I am a Christian myself. I have nothing against having a national cathedral,” he said.
Christian Council Forms Committee on National Cathedral
The comments come shortly after the Christian Council of Ghana announced the formation of a technical committee to explore options for reviving the stalled National Cathedral project.
The committee, announced on Friday, September 11, 2026, comprises representatives from various Christian groupings and has been given one month to examine key issues surrounding the project.
Its work will focus on developing a practical funding model for the National Cathedral, reviewing the proposed location and considering other outstanding matters affecting the project.
The recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs before being forwarded to President Mahama for consideration.
The latest developments have renewed discussions about the future of the National Cathedral project, its funding, location, expenditure and accountability, as the government and Christian leaders seek a possible resolution to the long-running controversy.
Source: newsthemegh.com