Ghana's costly cathedral project under presidential probe
The new President of Ghana, John Mahama, announced an investigation into the construction of the national cathedral, estimated to cost £325 million. The project has sparked controversy in a country grappling with an economic crisis.
President John Mahama declared that the government would conduct an investigation into the plans for building the national cathedral, which is set to cost about £325 million. According to BBC News, this project has caused divisions in society, particularly given the ongoing economic challenges. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo promised the cathedral's construction, crediting his party's success in the 2016 elections to divine intervention.
The cathedral instead of government buildings
The cathedral was intended to be privately funded, yet approximately £47 million of public funds have already been allocated to it. At the construction site in downtown Accra, where state buildings once stood, there remains only a large crater.
The new Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has suggested that public funds will no longer be used for this project.
Ghana is experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation and last year received £2.44 billion in aid from the International Monetary Fund. While this aid helped reduce inflation, it remains high at 23.8 percent. Work on the cathedral has been halted due to non-payment to contractors.
