Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has defended the concept of a National Cathedral for Ghana’s Christian community, but criticised the manner in which the controversial project under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was implemented.
Mr Ayariga said he had no fundamental objection to the construction of a national worship centre, describing the idea as appropriate for a deeply religious country such as Ghana.
However, appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday for his vetting, the Bawku Central MP said the project suffered from shortcomings, particularly regarding the location selected for the proposed cathedral.
“I think it was a good idea that was badly executed. I personally had issues with the location,” he told the Committee.
Mr Ayariga said religion remained an important part of Ghanaian society despite the country’s constitutional status as a secular state.
He noted that the establishment of churches, mosques, cathedrals and other worship centres provided spaces for citizens to practise their faith.
“I believe that Ghanaians are deeply religious even though constitutionally we are regarded as a secular state,” he said.
According to him, there was therefore nothing inherently wrong with the proposal to establish a national cathedral dedicated to Christians.
“And so in my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a national cathedral for the Christians of the country,” he stated.
Mr Ayariga’s comments come amid continuing public debate over the National Cathedral project, which was initiated under the Akufo-Addo administration but became embroiled in controversy over its financing, construction and management.
While distinguishing the concept from its implementation, the Minister-designate maintained that his reservations centred on how the project was carried out rather than the principle of having a national cathedral.
Mr Ayariga is one of two ministerial nominees appearing before the Appointments Committee for consideration for the portfolios of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Environment, Science and Technology.
