National Cathedral: What we’ve done is just the foundation, not the ‘world’s most expensive pit’ — Egyapa Mercer

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has dismissed claims that no substantial progress has been made on the National Cathedral of Ghana, despite the government having invested approximately $58 million in the project.

During a panel discussion on the Good Morning Ghana programme on Friday, July 21, 2024, Mercer rejected the description of the project as the "world's most expensive pit".

Addressing the assertion in the presence of North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mercer clarified that the current structure at the site is merely the foundation of the National Cathedral.

"We both agree that contrary to your description of the world’s most expensive pit, it is a foundation that has been built," Mercer stated.

However, Ablakwa disputed this, saying, "You're cracking me up this morning. A $58 million foundation."

Mercer defended the project, emphasizing the substantial work already done.

"A lot of work has been done there, as a matter of fact. Yes, the building has not come up out of the ground," he said.

He further argued that the government should continue to fund the project, highlighting its potential to be a significant generate income for the country.