In a recent interview, former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu shared insights into how John Dramani Mahama, Ghana's president-elect, plans to address the unfinished National Cathedral project initiated by his predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. According to Iddrisu, Mahama is committed to completing the National Cathedral but with one key caveat – it will not be funded by the state.
Iddrisu made this revelation during an interview with TV3, where he emphasized Mahama's approach to governance and his stance on using public resources for projects like the National Cathedral. The former Minority Leader stated that while Mahama supports the idea of completing national projects, including the controversial National Cathedral, he would not use taxpayer money for such undertakings. This, according to Iddrisu, is because Mahama recognizes the importance of ensuring value for money and accountability in the use of state funds.
"It’s not going to be funded with state resources," Iddrisu said firmly. "President Mahama is smarter than that. If this country needs a cathedral, he will sit down with the church and decide how to proceed without burdening the taxpayers." He further explained that Mahama would prefer to engage with religious institutions to determine the best path forward rather than simply continuing with the massive financial commitments associated with the project.
The National Cathedral project, which has sparked considerable debate and controversy among Ghanaians, was a personal pledge made by Nana Akufo-Addo. The project has faced numerous challenges, including allegations of mismanagement and financial misappropriations, and it became a focal point in the public discourse during the 2024 elections. For many Ghanaians, the construction of the cathedral, which is expected to cost millions of dollars, raised questions about the priorities of the government, especially in light of pressing national concerns such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Criticism has been mounting regarding the use of public funds for the National Cathedral project. Critics argue that, in a country facing economic challenges, the expenditure of such a large amount of money on a religious building seems disproportionate and out of touch with the needs of the average Ghanaian. Some have also questioned the transparency of the project, citing the lack of clear financial oversight and the absence of detailed reports on the actual cost and progress of the cathedral’s construction.
The issue has become a contentious topic, with some viewing it as a symbol of a broken promise, while others see it as a testament to the former president’s dedication to fulfilling a personal vow. During the interview, Iddrisu also raised concerns over the financial management of the cathedral project, pointing out that $38 million had already been spent, yet significant progress had not been visible. “How can $38 million have been spent, and we’re still at this point? Is that worth $38 million?” he questioned, calling for transparency and accountability in all government projects.
Despite the criticism, Iddrisu noted that Mahama would be open to dialogue with the church to explore alternative ways of funding the National Cathedral. This suggests that while Mahama is not completely abandoning the project, he wants to ensure that it is completed responsibly and in a manner that reflects the country’s needs.
The topic of the National Cathedral has divided public opinion in Ghana. Supporters of the project argue that it is a necessary landmark for the country’s Christian community and a potential source of national pride. They claim that the cathedral would serve as a spiritual center and a symbol of national unity. However, detractors believe that the resources allocated to the project could have been better spent on more pressing needs, such as addressing poverty, improving education, and boosting infrastructure development.
As Mahama prepares to take office once again, the completion of the National Cathedral remains one of the significant issues that will likely dominate the early stages of his administration. The former president has made it clear that while he is willing to support the completion of the cathedral, his approach will be grounded in practicality and fiscal responsibility.
“Let’s engage the church and the people. We’ll determine if the cathedral is truly needed and find a way to fund it without draining public resources,” Iddrisu stated. This approach, according to him, will ensure that the project is handled with integrity and accountability, without burdening the already strained national budget.
As the country awaits the formal transition of power, the question of the National Cathedral’s future remains unresolved. Ghanaians will be closely watching how the new government navigates this complex issue, balancing the aspirations of the Christian community with the need for responsible financial management. In the meantime, the debate over the cathedral’s fate continues to stir emotions, with many questioning whether the project is truly in the best interest of the nation as a whole.
In the coming months, Mahama’s administration will need to address this issue with transparency and clarity, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and that the project, if completed, is done in a way that benefits the entire country.
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