The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that the Ghanaian government will not provide funding for the National Cathedral project, a decision that marks a significant shift in the project's trajectory. This announcement comes barely a few weeks after Ayariga assured the Christian community of his support for the project. The government's stance is that the project should be funded through private and philanthropic means.
The National Cathedral project, also known as 'Yaamutu', was initiated by a previous administration, but President John Dramani Mahama has expressed disagreement with using taxpayers' money to fund it. During a citizens' engagement in Wa on September 12, 2026, President Mahama stated that he had no objection to the construction of a National Cathedral, but disagreed with the chosen location, citing congestion in the area. The President emphasized that the Christian community had the resources to raise the necessary funds.
Ayariga's statement on the government's position was made during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, where he clarified that no government funds would be allocated for the project's construction. He also announced that the Board of Trustees established to oversee the project had been dissolved, as the government no longer considered it relevant in its current form. This decision reflects the government's changed stance on the project.
The contractor responsible for the project has been directed to hand over the site to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as the site is state property. This move is pending further government directives on the site's future use. A forensic audit into expenditure related to the initial plans is currently under review by the Attorney General, and the government will determine the next steps after receiving the Attorney General's advice.
Ayariga's initial comments on the project during his vetting by Parliament on August 27, 2026, had suggested that he would engage the President and the Christian community to mobilize support for the project. However, the government's current stance indicates a significant departure from this earlier position. The Minister's comments had raised expectations that the project would continue with government support.
The National Cathedral project has been a subject of controversy, with debates surrounding its funding, location, and relevance. While some have expressed support for the project, others have raised concerns about its implementation and the use of public funds. The government's decision to dissolve the Board of Trustees and hand over the site to the Ministry reflects a re-evaluation of the project's priorities.
The future of the National Cathedral project remains uncertain, as the government awaits the Attorney General's advice on the forensic audit and determines the next steps. The project's proponents will need to explore alternative funding options to ensure its completion. The government's emphasis on private support for the project marks a significant shift in its approach to the initiative.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has decided not to fund the National Cathedral project, opting for private support instead.
- The Board of Trustees overseeing the project has been dissolved, and the site has been handed over to the Ministry of Local Government.
- The government's decision reflects a re-evaluation of the project's priorities and a shift towards private funding.
