Government will not allocate additional public funds for National Cathedral project – Minister

The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says the government will not spend any additional public funds to complete the National Cathedral project, which he estimates could require about $400 million to finish.

He stated that while the government acknowledges the religious significance of the project, the current economic situation does not allow for such spending when Ghanaians are calling for better roads, schools, and hospitals.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, April 8, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that completing the project would be left to churches or private organisations that consider it necessary and are willing to mobilise funds for it.

“This government will not commit additional public funds to the National Cathedral project,” he said.

“Estimates suggest completing the Cathedral would require an additional $400 million. At a time when Ghanaians are demanding better roads, schools, and hospitals, we cannot justify such an expenditure on what is essentially a non-priority project.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that faith-based organisations that still support the project are free to finance its completion from their own resources.

“If churches or private entities wish to complete it using their own resources, they are welcome to do so,” he said.

He also disclosed that the National Cathedral Secretariat no longer exists under the current administration.

What remains, he said, are unresolved procurement and contractual matters, which are being reviewed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

“What remains are outstanding procurement issues and contractual obligations, which are being reviewed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. If any wrongdoing is found, those responsible will be held accountable,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.

In response to a question on the future of the project site, he said no decision had yet been made.

He added that the government’s immediate concern is to ensure transparency in how state funds have been used on the project so far.

source: graphic.com.gh