Mahama Questions Use of Public Funds for National Cathedral Project Amidst Educational Challenges
John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the allocation of $450 million towards the National Cathedral project, highlighting unaddressed challenges in the education sector. Speaking at a gathering with religious leaders in Wa as part of the “Building Ghana Tour” in the Upper West Region, Mahama expressed concerns that the project would not receive God’s approval.
He argued that the project, seen as a personal commitment by President Nana Akufo-Addo to God, should be funded by individuals who share its vision. Mahama emphasized that using public funds, including those of people from other denominations, to build a cathedral for Christians alone was unjustifiable.
Mahama pointed out that $58 million of public funds had already been spent on the project, raising questions about the prioritization of funds when basic educational needs, such as desks and textbooks, remained unmet.
He criticized the government’s expenditure on consultancy services and other expenses for the cathedral project, suggesting that the allocated funds would have been more wisely used to support education.
Mahama concluded by suggesting that using $450 million to build a cathedral while essential educational needs were unmet would anger even God.