The Member of Parliament of North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has questioned the government’s decisions to release a whooping GHS25million into the National Cathedral projects.
According to the lawmaker, he cannot fathom how such an amount could be raised for a project considering the economic hardship facing the country under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Adding that, the same government in their capacity cannot pay National Service Personnel and other workers in the name of lack of funds.
Mr. Ablakwa’s concerns come after the government granted the release of GH¢25 million to the National Cathedral Secretariat as additional seed money for the construction of the National Cathedral.
A statement was issued on Thursday, June 2, 2022, signed by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and copied to the Controller and Accountant’s General Department asking that the money be sent to Ribade Limited, for part payment of outstanding claims.
“Authority is hereby granted to you to release the sum GH¢25, 000,000.00 as additional seed money to the National Cathedral Secretariat for the construction of the National Cathedral for part payment of outstanding claims from RIBADE Limited.”
But reacting to the news barely 24 hours, the MP asked “Considering the current debilitating economic crisis, why is the Akufo-Addo government releasing a colossal GHS25million for the National Cathedral project?”
The architectural and structural design of the National Cathedral was done by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, the founder and principal of Adjaye Associates.
The $350 million project will have an auditorium of 5,000-seater which will be expandable to 15,000-seater for national events and celebrations as well as chapels and a baptistery.
It will also include, among others, a grand central hall, and a music school, and will house Africa’s first-ever Bible Museum and documentation center.
In defense amidst criticism, President Akufo-Addo noted that the construction is in fulfillment of a promise he made to God before winning the 2016 general elections.
