Arthur Kennedy: I would have built national museum of slavery instead of cathedral as president
A stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opposed the construction of the National Cathedral project.
Mr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy’s opposition to government’s decision to build the religious edifice follows indications that the National Cathedral, when completed, would serve as a bible museum and tourist attraction.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr. Arthur Kennedy, said instead of a National Cathedral, he would have used the country’s scarce resources to build a national museum of slavery if he were the President.
“ …If I live in Europe, North America or Asia and I want to see a Cathedral, I can go to Italy where the Pope lives, France, Spain or even to Israel and I am coming to black Africa to see a Cathedral, why? .. I think we should build a National Museum of slavery here in Accra,” he said.
According to the Physician, the funds used on the Cathedral could have been channeled into improving the Accra Cape Coast road.
He added that hotels in Cape Coast could also be uplifted and other tourist sites refurbished so that tourists who visit, would have a better experience.
“Go to Assim Manso where the slaves had their last bath, make it first class facility so that when people come the experience of recounting slavery analysis will be a religious experience. That is our niche. Everybody in the world will see why you are going to Ghana to see a slave museum,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Cathedral project has stalled over lack of funds.
The Executive Director of the National Cathedral of Ghana confirmed that construction of the religious edifice has stalled.
Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah explained that the status quo can be attributed to “the vagaries of the fundraising”.
He, however, assured that construction would soon restart.
