Accra, Ghana – July 2025
Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project has once again ignited a firestorm of criticism after new data revealed that over $100 million has been spent, yet less than 10% of construction is complete.
The mega-project, launched in 2018 by President Nana Akufo-Addo as a national symbol of unity and faith, has faced repeated delays, cost overruns, contractor exits, and fierce scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement.
A recent parliamentary audit confirmed that large portions of the budget were spent on non-construction expenses, including consultancy fees, international travel, and unapproved disbursements — prompting calls from opposition lawmakers and civil society groups to scrap the project entirely.
“How can a country struggling to pay teachers and nurses find $100 million for a building that’s still a pit in the ground?” asked Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of Parliament and one of the project’s most vocal critics.
The National Cathedral was originally scheduled for completion in 2023. Its design includes a 5,000-seat auditorium, Bible museum, interdenominational chapels, and a presidential crypt, intended to serve as a spiritual and cultural landmark.
But today, the project sits in limbo. Construction has largely halted, and public confidence has plummeted.
“We were promised a house for God, but we’ve built a monument to waste,” said Rev. Linda Owusu, a pastor who once supported the idea but now believes the project has lost its purpose.
In response, the National Cathedral Secretariat defended the project’s viability, insisting that delays were due to global economic disruptions and fundraising challenges.
“This vision is too important to abandon,” said Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Executive Director of the Secretariat. “We call on believers and patriots to stand with us.”
However, the project is facing mounting political and economic pressure as Ghana battles inflation, currency depreciation, rising youth unemployment, and a tight IMF program.
Social media platforms have erupted with satirical memes and the hashtag #CathedralScam trending nationwide.
Analysts say the controversy could become a defining issue in the 2026 election, with younger voters demanding fiscal responsibility and transparency.
“It’s not just a religious project anymore — it’s a symbol of government priorities gone wrong,” said political commentator Ama Kwarteng.
As public frustration grows, the question remains: Should Ghana finally cut its losses, or hold onto the hope of finishing the nation's most sacred construction dream?