Motion to investigate National Cathedral Project admitted by Speaker of Parliament
The National Cathedral Project, announced by President Akufo-Addo, has been the subject of controversy and scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability regarding the project’s financing and execution.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has now admitted a motion to investigate the project, sponsored by several legislators, including Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, among others.
The motion seeks to establish a committee to investigate the National Cathedral Project and all related matters, with the committee subsequently making recommendations for the House’s consideration. The project has been met with opposition from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and concerns have been raised about the project’s relevance and accountability, especially in light of the country’s economic crisis.
The controversy surrounding the National Cathedral Project has been further exacerbated by the recent call for its immediate suspension and a financial audit by two eminent clergymen, Archbishop Duncan Williams and Rev Eastwood Anaba. They cited the controversies surrounding the project as the reason for their call and argued that the suspension would allow for transparency and accountability to be provided to the Ghanaian people.
Additionally, the Secretary of the Board, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, has been accused of conflict of interest regarding some expenditures in the project’s execution, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability. The opposition has repeatedly raised questions about accountability, which have gone unanswered, leading to further scrutiny of the project’s financing and execution.
The controversy surrounding the National Cathedral Project has also led to the resignation of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International, from the project’s Board of Trustees in August 2022. Despite the opposition and controversy, President Akufo-Addo has remained steadfast in his commitment to building the cathedral, stating that it will be built regardless of public opposition.
The National Cathedral Project, which was initially proposed in 2018, has been described as a symbol of the country’s unity and a gesture of appreciation to God. The cathedral is expected to cost $100 million, with the government providing $50 million and the remaining funds to be raised through donations. However, the lack of transparency and accountability regarding the financing of the project has led to further questions and concerns.
The National Cathedral Project in Ghana has been the subject of controversy and scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability regarding its financing and execution. The motion to investigate the project, sponsored by several legislators, including Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, among others, seeks to establish a committee to investigate the project and all related matters.
The controversy surrounding the project has also led to the recent call for its immediate suspension and a financial audit by two eminent clergymen. Despite the opposition and concerns raised, President Akufo-Addo has remained committed to building the cathedral.
