President of Ghana Mahama opposes funding cathedral with taxpayers' money
Ghanaian President John Mahama stated that the construction of the National Cathedral should not be financed with taxpayers' money. During a meeting with citizens in the Upper West Region, he said that the country's Christian communities could independently raise the necessary funds for the project, reports MyJoyOnline.
Mahama stressed that he does not oppose the idea of the National Cathedral itself, as he is a Christian. At the same time, he said Ghana's large Christian community is capable of financing the construction through contributions. The president suggested that a contribution of 1,000 cedis from each Christian could be enough for the construction.
Concerns over the location
The president also criticized the site chosen for the cathedral. According to him, the area already has parliament, the International Conference Centre, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the National Theatre. Mahama believes that another large facility would further constrain the area, where a stadium and Black Star Square are located nearby.
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He separately mentioned the demolition of buildings to clear the site for the project. According to Mahama, ten judges' residences, the residence of Mali's ambassador, which has still not been replaced, as well as the old passport office and other facilities were demolished.
Audit of project spending
Mahama said that the forensic audit of the National Cathedral has been completed and is with the attorney general. The president plans to provide a copy of the document to the Christian Council so it can analyze the spending, which he estimated at nearly $90 million, and jointly consider possible corrective steps.
He also called the project a personal vow made by former president Akufo-Addo to God, rather than state policy. On September 11, 2026, the Christian Council of Ghana announced the creation of a technical committee to find ways to revive the suspended project. The committee is to prepare a financing model and recommendations on the location and other unresolved issues within a month.
