Ghana to Probe $400m Cathedral Project Amid Controversy

GHANA’S government will launch an investigation into the controversial $400 million national cathedral project, newly elected President John Mahama announced. The decision comes amid growing criticism over the project’s cost as the country grapples with economic hardship.

The cathedral, proposed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, was meant to serve as a national place of worship. Akufo-Addo, whose party lost power in the December elections, had pledged to build the cathedral as a token of gratitude to God for his 2016 victory. His administration had assured Ghanaians that the project would be privately funded, but reports indicate that at least $58 million in public funds had already been spent.

Despite this expenditure, the site in central Accra remains an unfinished construction pit. The land, once home to government offices, judges’ residences, and financial institutions, was cleared for the project, raising concerns over its economic and social impact.

Investigation ordered

Speaking at a thanksgiving service on Sunday, Mahama confirmed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) had previously directed an audit into the project, which his government would now act upon.

‘The government will initiate a full investigation into the national cathedral project and any potential misuse of public funds,’ Mahama stated.

However, he did not dismiss the possibility of completing the project, suggesting a more cost-effective approach.

‘We need to assess whether a national cathedral is a priority at this time and, if so, find a more reasonable way to fund and execute it,’ he said.

Government to cut funding

On Monday, newly appointed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson signalled that public funds would no longer be allocated to the project, the BBC reported. Addressing a parliamentary committee, he stated, ‘We must eliminate wasteful spending, and the national cathedral project is one of them.’

Ghana has been battling its worst economic crisis in decades, securing a $3bn bailout from the IMF in 2023. Inflation, although reduced, remains high at 23.8 percent, adding to public frustration over government spending priorities.

Mounting opposition

Opposition lawmakers have been vocal against the cathedral project. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a member of parliament from Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), questioned its necessity.

‘Why build a cathedral when Ghanaians face urgent challenges in healthcare, education, and sanitation? This is not the priority right now,’ Akandoh said.

Even religious leaders involved in the project have expressed concerns. Five members of the cathedral’s board of trustees have resigned, urging the government to halt construction and conduct a thorough audit.

Project in limbo

The project had already stalled before Mahama took office. Contractors reportedly halted work due to unpaid fees, leaving its future uncertain.

During his campaign, Mahama had hinted at reassessing the cathedral’s viability. Now in office, his government must decide whether to abandon or restructure the project as public scrutiny intensifies.

The investigation could determine the fate of one of Ghana’s most debated infrastructure projects