Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has described the National Cathedral project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a good idea that was poorly implemented.
Ayariga made the assessment while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for his vetting as part of the process leading to his possible approval as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The Bawku Central Member of Parliament said he had no fundamental objection to establishing a National Cathedral for Christians in Ghana, stressing that religious worship forms an important part of many Ghanaians’ lives.
He, however, expressed reservations about aspects of the project, particularly the location chosen for the cathedral.
“I believe that Ghanaians are deeply religious even though constitutionally, we are regarded as a secular state. I believe that having cathedrals, church buildings, mosques and other worshipping centres are great and exciting things that enable the practice of religions.
“And so in my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a national cathedral for the Christians of the country. And if you are talking about the National Cathedral that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated when he was president, I don’t see anything wrong with it. I think it was a good idea that was badly executed. I personally had issues with the location.”
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