Amid growing public discontent over Ghana’s economic downturn, newly elected President John Mahama has made it clear: the $400 million National Cathedral project, initiated by his predecessor Nana Akufo-Addo, will be thoroughly investigated. Critics have denounced the project as an extravagant waste of public resources, especially at a time when the country is struggling with a severe cost-of-living crisis and fiscal instability.
In a speech this week during a national thanksgiving service, President Mahama expressed his concern about the stalled and controversial cathedral, which was meant to be a grand tribute to God, marking the victory of Akufo-Addo’s 2016 election. However, Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) party emerged victorious in the December 2024 elections, in part due to widespread voter dissatisfaction with the economic management and financial decisions of the previous administration.
“We will be investigating the financial aspects of the National Cathedral,” Mahama declared. “This project must be scrutinized to ensure that any public funds that were misappropriated are accounted for. Our focus will be on prioritizing the national interest and ensuring accountability in the use of taxpayer money.”
The National Cathedral, which remains a massive, unfinished construction site located in the heart of Accra, has been one of the most contentious issues in Ghanaian politics. Despite its ambitious plans—featuring a grand 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, and a host of other facilities—the project’s progress has been slow, and many of the original promises made by Akufo-Addo’s government have failed to materialize.
Construction has been halted for over three years now, with the site currently resembling a vast crater, a visual reminder of a once-grand vision that is far from completion. Critics argue that the project has become a symbol of the former government’s misplaced priorities. While the cathedral was originally envisioned as a monument to the divine, its unfinished state and mounting costs have made it a metaphor for fiscal mismanagement in the eyes of many Ghanaians.
Fiscal Concerns and Public Outcry
The initial plan for the National Cathedral was for it to be privately funded, with Akufo-Addo’s administration calling for local and international donors to contribute. However, allegations soon surfaced that public funds were being diverted to the project. These allegations have led many to view the cathedral as an extravagant vanity project, particularly in light of the country’s deepening economic challenges.
As Ghana continues to battle inflation, rising unemployment, and debt distress, many Ghanaians have questioned the wisdom of investing such a vast sum of money into a religious structure. Critics point to the contrasting example of Nigeria’s National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which was completed at a fraction of the cost—just $30 million.
Mahama has not ruled out completing the cathedral but has emphasized that any future decisions will be made with a focus on transparency and fiscal responsibility. “If the project is to continue, it will not be at the cost of Ghana’s economic stability. The decisions moving forward will prioritize the accountability of public funds and ensure the national interest is upheld.”
A Symbol of Discontent
The National Cathedral has become a lightning rod for public dissatisfaction. The sight of the half-built structure has not only fueled anger over perceived wastefulness but has also served as a reminder of the broader economic woes under the previous administration. Critics argue that the funds allocated to the cathedral could have been better spent on infrastructure, healthcare, and education—sectors that have long been underfunded in Ghana.
The failure to complete the cathedral within the promised timeline has been seen by some political analysts as a key factor in the electoral defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). “The National Cathedral project became a symbol of Akufo-Addo’s failure to prioritize the people’s needs,” said political analyst Kofi Adjei. “While people were struggling with inflation and joblessness, the government was pouring money into an unfinished religious monument. It became an emblem of the disconnect between the government and the average Ghanaian.”
In addition to fiscal concerns, the National Cathedral has been a subject of religious and cultural debates. Some view it as a necessary investment in the nation’s spiritual growth, while others argue that it was an unnecessary imposition, especially given Ghana’s religious diversity. While Akufo-Addo championed the cathedral as a unifying symbol for Christians in Ghana, others question whether such a project is truly in the national interest.
Promises of Change
With the inauguration of John Mahama as president, many Ghanaians are hopeful for a change in direction. His party’s strong mandate in the December election reflected widespread frustration with Akufo-Addo’s administration, particularly regarding the handling of the economy and the management of public funds. In his campaign, Mahama promised a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance, vowing to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over extravagant projects.
“The next few months will be critical in shaping the future of this project,” said political expert Nana Kwame Amoako. “President Mahama’s decision to investigate the National Cathedral sends a strong message that his government will not tolerate fiscal irresponsibility. At the same time, it leaves open the possibility of completing the project—but under much stricter oversight and with full accountability.”
As Mahama moves forward with his investigation, the National Cathedral stands as a stark reminder of the political and economic challenges facing Ghana in 2025. Whether the project will eventually see completion or be abandoned altogether remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the public’s faith in the project has been severely shaken, and any further progress will require both financial prudence and a renewed commitment to national unity.
