The former Finance Minister, Dr Stephen Amoah, has stated that he has no objections to the construction of the stalled National Cathedral project but has expressed concerns about the financial implications.
Speaking with the press on Thursday, Dr Amoah acknowledged that he shares the concerns of those questioning the source of funding and the overall cost of the project.
“Honestly, I am not against the cathedral because I am a Christian, but I am with those who are raising concerns about how much has gone into our foundation,” he said.
He called for an investigation into the financial aspects of the project. “I think that money should be investigated, and those raising concerns are right, even though I am an NPP member,” he added.
Dr Amoah also raised issues with the location of the facility. “I personally think even the location is a problem. With the International Conference Centre and Parliament nearby, they should have considered a different location,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the financial aspects of the cathedral project are a significant concern, stating, “Talking about the money in the Cathedral, it is a huge concern that I share with those who criticize it, and of course, we need to complete investigations on that.”
The National Cathedral project was initiated by the government of Ghana in 2017, to create a world-class place of worship and a symbol of the nation’s Christian heritage.
The cathedral, which will be located in the heart of the capital, Accra, is expected to serve as a national monument for religious and cultural activities. The project is slated to include a large sanctuary as well as facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and other events.
However, the project has been mired in controversy due to its high cost, the source of funding, and allegations of embezzlement of funds by its Board of Trustees.
Critics argue that the funds allocated for the cathedral could be better used to address pressing social and economic issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
