There is nothing wrong with having a National Cathedral in Ghana — Mahama Ayariga
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has reiterated his support for the idea of having a National Cathedral in Ghana.
He, however, asserted that his support for the concept should not be interpreted as an endorsement of all aspects of the project initiated under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The Bawku Central MP said his main concerns have been the location of the facility and the decision to demolish the residences of judges to make way for the project.
Speaking when he received a courtesy call from the Christian Council on Tuesday, September 1, the minister said he remained convinced that Ghana could have a National Cathedral.
“As I said at the vetting, I honestly, sincerely think that there's nothing wrong with having a national cathedral. It is my honest belief that there is nothing wrong with having national Cathedral," he told the clergy.
His latest comments are consistent with his position during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27.
At the vetting, Ayariga said he would support efforts to complete the project if the Christian community remains committed to it and President John Dramani Mahama backed its continuation.
“At that time, we had senior, you know, superior court judges, Supreme Court judges, Court of Appeal judges. Their residences were there, and you know, I sincerely thought it wasn't the right thing to do," he noted.
The minister has previously described the National Cathedral project as a good idea that, in his view, was poorly executed.