The National Cathedral: A Symbol of Misguided Priorities - How Nana Addo, Ghanaian Clergy, and Their Co-Conspirators Embarked on a Vanity Cathedral Project, Causing Financial Loss to the State.

By Ebenezer Ato Ntarkurfah Jackson
The decision to embark on the construction of the National Cathedral under the guise of religious fervor while neglecting the country's dire economic situation is a testament to the reckless and misguided priorities of the Dr. Bawumia’s NPP government. The project, purportedly an act of gratitude to a Hebrew God named Yahweh, lacks rationality and serves as a prime example of wasteful public spending.

It is incredulous to observe Dr. Bawumia’s NPP government embarking on a journey to Israel solely to acquire a single stone for a sword-cutting ceremony marking the commencement of the National Cathedral project. This decision is particularly perplexing when considering the pressing issues at hand, such as debt reduction, healthcare enhancement, and infrastructure development, which remain inadequately addressed. Moreover, the demolition of existing properties to accommodate the Cathedral exacerbates the situation, underscoring the NPP administration's misallocation of priorities.

The alarming debt levels faced by Ghana, as highlighted by Bloomberg's analysis, underscore the severity of the economic mismanagement under the NPP government. According to Bloomberg, in April 2022, Ghana ranked second on the list of countries at risk of default, with debt-to-GDP ratio standing at 84.6 percent. This dire financial situation can be traced back to the aggressive and excessive borrowing initiated under the Dr. Bawumia and NPP administration, contrasting sharply with the financial policies of the previous Mahama administration, whom religious leaders once criticized for alleged excessive borrowing.

Moreover, likening the project to a "Kweku Ananse story," it is evident that the narrative of constructing a National Cathedral for a Hebrew God named Yahweh, without considering Ghana's financial predicament, is akin to a tale of folly and deception. The decision-makers behind this venture have woven a web of deceit, disregarded the pragmatic needs of the nation and instead indulged in fantastical notions of divine favor.

Interestingly, religious leaders who once condemned the so-called excessive borrowing and mismanagement under the previous Mahama administration have conveniently turned a blind eye to the folly of the National Cathedral project. They failed to recognize the financial burden it placed on the state and instead chose to lend their support, touting it as a divine endeavor.

The involvement of clergy members in championing this ill-conceived project raises serious questions about their integrity and moral standing. Even notable charismatic pastors, such as the one who claimed interest in foreign TV programs featuring lions, cheetahs, and antelopes, prompt scrutiny over their credibility as "men of God." Such contradictions beg the question: are these individuals truly deserving of their religious titles or are they mere mortals exploiting their positions for personal gain?

By exploiting their positions as "men of God" to endorse the Cathedral as a divine endeavor, they misled the public and contributed to the financial loss suffered by the state.

We must not overlook the fact that the poor decision-makers behind the National Cathedral project chose to destroy existing properties to make way for its construction. Among these properties were vital institutions such as the Judicial Training Institute, Judges Bangalow, Scholarship Secretariat, Passport Head Office, Mali Ambassador Residence, Bangalows for CHIRAG, and privately owned apartment reality complex. The destruction of these buildings not only resulted in immediate economic consequences, such as the loss of infrastructure and disruption of services but also incurred long-term financial ramifications for the state.

The demolition and subsequent rebuilding process undoubtedly led to significant financial loss, as taxpayer money was squandered on unnecessary destruction and reconstruction efforts. This shortsighted and poor decision-making not only wasted valuable resources but also inflicted lasting damage on the nation's economy. Those responsible for such reckless actions must face punitive punishment to be held accountable for the financial loss they have caused to the state.

The magnitude of the financial investment in the National Cathedral demands accountability and repercussions for all involved. Politicians and clergy members alike must be held responsible for their role in squandering public funds. Punitive measures, including imprisonment, are warranted to send a clear message that corruption and fiscal irresponsibility will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The National Cathedral is symbol of misguided priorities and those implicated in this egregious misuse of taxpayer money must face justice!

Ebenezer Ato Ntarkurfah Jackson, Cornell University-Johnson School of Business, MBA Class of 2015, [email protected]