National Cathedral is more than a prayer facility; it has tourism potential – Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reaffirmed the Minority's position that the National Cathedral is a necessary national project that should be completed.
He said the facility should not be viewed solely as a place of worship because of its potential to promote tourism and serve as a national landmark.
According to Osahen Afenyo-Markin, the government's changing position on the project has created uncertainty over the future use of the site and requires further discussion among stakeholders.
“This National Cathedral, we need it as a nation. It shouldn't be too simplistic. The cathedral is not just for prayer. It is also for tourism," he said.
The lawmaker made the comments when he led a parliamentary delegation of the Minority Caucus to the Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday, October 6, to discuss national issues.
He cited his recent experience in Turkey, where he said an old mosque attracted thousands of visitors daily because of its historical and tourism value.
He argued that a completed National Cathedral could similarly attract visitors and contribute to Ghana's tourism sector.
“If we have the cathedral, it's not only for the Christian community. It is for the entire nation. Its tourism potential, its image, and the image of the country. It becomes a rallying point for us as a country," he noted.
Meanwhile, the National Cathedral project has been the subject of political and public debate in recent years, particularly over its construction, financing and the future use of the site.