FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Accra, Ghana – The Center for Public Opinion & Awareness (CenPOA) has noted with deep concern recent comments made by Honorable Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, regarding the possible continuation of the controversial National Cathedral project. The Minister indicated that the government is considering resuming the project, subject to consultations with the National Cathedral Board.
CenPOA strongly believes that reintroducing government involvement or allocating public funds to the National Cathedral would constitute political dishonesty and betrayal of the trust placed in the government by Ghanaians. The project, initially a personal religious vow by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, remains incomplete despite his eight-year tenure and reported expenditure of $8 million in state resources.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) explicitly opposed the project during the 2024 elections, vowing to repurpose it into a 500-unit children’s hospital and fertility center. This was publicly communicated in a Facebook post by Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, then Director of Elections and IT for the NDC. CenPOA finds the Minister’s recent remarks inconsistent with the NDC’s stated position and urges the government to stay true to its commitment to reset Ghana’s priorities.
Many Ghanaians voted for this administration on the understanding that public funds would no longer be wasted on non-essential projects like the National Cathedral, particularly at the expense of critical sectors such as healthcare. If Hon. Ibrahim’s remarks were intended as his personal opinion, CenPOA respectfully reminds him that, as a Minister, he must refrain from imposing personal religious beliefs on matters of governance and public administration.
Blurring the lines between religion and state affairs could have serious consequences for his political career and the credibility of the NDC government. Finally, CenPOA encourages former President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his vow to God using private means. With his tenure now concluded, he has the opportunity and time to mobilize private support to complete the project, in line with his original intent.
Media Contact:
– Linda A. Kwarteng
– Email: lakwarteng@cenpoa.org
– Phone: 0241 185 635
– Website: (link unavailable)
– Address: #8 Klemusu Road, Accra, Ghana
– Telephone: +233-303-963573
