President John Dramani Mahama has called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing National Cathedral project, a highly controversial initiative that was launched by his predecessor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

During his speech at the Christian National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Sunday, January 12, 2025, Mahama raised pertinent concerns regarding the astronomical cost of the project and the need for accountability in its execution.

“As a nation, we cannot ignore the financial burden that this project imposes on our citizens, especially given the current economic climate,” Mahama stated emphatically.

“On the vexed issue of the National Cathedral, CHRAJ (the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice) has already directed the government to audit the project and investigate any misuse of public funds. We will soon activate an investigation into the project.”

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His statement highlights the growing skepticism surrounding the $400 million budget for the National Cathedral, which aims to be a grand symbol of Ghana’s Christian heritage.

While the project was pitched as a national Christian worship center, Mahama, along with various critics, questions its financial prudence in light of the country’s economic struggles.

“In the current circumstances that Ghana is going through, it makes no sense to achieve such a project at a whopping sum of $400 million,” Mahama continued.

“I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which serves the Christian faith in Nigeria, was built at the cost of $30 million. How can we justify spending such an inflated amount for a similar project here?”

The National Cathedral project, launched with much fanfare by Akufo-Addo, was meant to be a monumental space for Christian worship, with the added intention of showcasing Ghana’s rich religious history and serving as a symbol of national unity.

However, the cost and transparency issues have raised alarm among many Ghanaians, especially as the country faces significant economic challenges, including high inflation, rising unemployment, and a soaring public debt.

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