Akim Swedru Member of Parliament, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, has publicly expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision to transform the National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre, framing the move as a departure from Ghana’s Christian heritage.
In a social media statement, the MP questioned the government’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and maintaining the religious identity that the National Cathedral symbolized for many Ghanaians.
“As Christians, we must reflect on what this shift means for our faith and values,” he urged. “Converting the cathedral into a cultural centre risks diluting the spiritual essence that was meant to unite us.”
The National Cathedral, initially envisioned in 2018 as a grand non-denominational monument to national unity and thanksgiving, has faced persistent challenges including project delays, escalating costs, and public criticism over the allocation of state resources in a secular nation.
Under the government’s SH0W24 creative sector policy, the site will now be developed as a hub for cultural diplomacy and events linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to stimulate the creative economy and attract international engagement.
While proponents highlight the potential economic benefits and the opportunity to reposition the stalled project, the decision has sparked debate. Religious groups and some lawmakers view the repurposing as a betrayal of the original spiritual vision and a symbolic retreat from promises made to the faith community.
This development spotlights the ongoing balancing act between preserving Ghana’s religious heritage and embracing cultural and economic modernization.
