Ghana's cathedral project under scrutiny amid economic woe
The new president of Ghana, John Mahama, has announced an investigation into the construction of the national cathedral, which is estimated to cost $400 million CAD. This project is controversial, especially as the country is grappling with an economic crisis.
President Mahama stated that the government will examine the plans for building the national cathedral, which carries a $400 million CAD price tag. According to BBC News, this initiative has sparked divisions within society, particularly given the ongoing economic difficulties. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo had initially promised the cathedral's construction, attributing his party’s success in the 2016 elections to divine intervention.
A cathedral instead of government buildings
The cathedral was intended to be funded privately, yet $58 million CAD from public funds have already been allocated to the project. In central Accra, where government buildings once stood, only a large crater remains at the construction site.
The new finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, has indicated that public funds will no longer be used for this endeavour.
Ghana is facing its most severe economic crisis in a generation. Last year, the country received $3 billion CAD in aid from the International Monetary Fund. Although inflation has decreased following this aid, it remains high at 23.8%. Construction on the cathedral has been halted due to non-payment to contractors.
