‘Gov't should not be pressured to continue National Cathedral project’ – NDC's Kwame Anthony

A Spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior and member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) national communications team, Julius Kwame Anthony, has rejected calls for government to revive the stalled National Cathedral project.

His comments follow an appeal by the Christian Council of Ghana for government to set aside political differences and create the conditions for the project to resume.

The Council’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, recently said Christians in Ghana, as well as international organisations and donor partners, were prepared to mobilise resources to support the completion of the project, but needed government’s blessing and support.

Speaking on Accra-based Joy Prime on Wednesday, September 9, Kwame Anthony said the church must consider the country’s pressing developmental challenges before demanding the continuation of the project.

He said government must prioritise critical national infrastructure and social services, particularly given the economic difficulties Ghana has experienced in recent years.

“The government of Ghana should not be pressured to build cathedral as an emergency the way President Kufuor was treating it, and the push for that conversation with respect should end,” he said.

Kwame Anthony acknowledged the important role of the Christian community in Ghana’s development and said the church had a responsibility to uphold the moral fabric of society.

He, however, urged Christian leaders to “read the mood of the country” and reconsider their approach to the National Cathedral, arguing that its construction should not be presented as an urgent national priority.

This also comes amid renewed discussions about the future of the project following a September 1 meeting between the Christian Council and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga.

The Minister has said President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC have no objection to Ghana having a National Cathedral but want consensus on its location, cost and financing before determining the way forward.

The Minister has also proposed bringing together leaders of the Catholic Church, Protestant denominations and other Christian organisations to reach a common position on the project before engaging President Mahama for direction.