By Alex Ababio
President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that his government will not take any definitive action on the National Cathedral until a comprehensive forensic audit is completed. He underscored that the project’s future must be rooted in transparency, collective national dialogue, and a financially realistic plan.
This statement came after a courtesy visit by the Christian Council of Ghana to the Jubilee House. During the engagement, the Council appealed to the government to renew its commitment to the cathedral—this time under a governance model that emphasises accountability, participation, and broader funding support.
Christian Council Calls for Renewed Commitment
The Council’s delegation, led by Vice Chairman Rev. Enoch Thompson, acknowledged the country’s harsh economic realities but argued that, if well managed, the National Cathedral could evolve into a major spiritual, cultural, and tourism landmark.
Their presentation laid out three major proposals:
1. Government should restate its commitment to completing the National Cathedral.
2. Funding should be expanded to include contributions from churches, the private sector, and international partners.
3. The cathedral should be positioned clearly as an interdenominational national symbol that reflects unity among Ghanaians
Mahama Orders Deeper Investigation After First Audit
Addressing the Council on Tuesday, November 18, President Mahama explained that although the Cathedral’s Board of Trustees had earlier commissioned a standard audit—whose report was made public—the findings raised significant concerns.
“The board of trustees ordered an audit into the accounts of the National Cathedral. The audit was published and there were some issues that bubbled out of it,” he stated.
He clarified the distinction between the earlier review and the new one:
“There are two kinds of audits. There is a normal audit where you choose your auditor. Then there is a forensic audit. We got a copy of the first audit, and as President I directed that a forensic audit be conducted. We want to know what happened, and so we are waiting for that report. Once the forensic audit is completed, we can decide on the way forward.”
A National Worship Space—But Built Through Consensus
President Mahama reaffirmed his personal belief in the value of a national place of worship but emphasised that such a project must reflect nationwide agreement.
“I am a Christian and believe that building a house where we can worship God is a good thing,” he said.
He also shared his past involvement in religious infrastructure, mentioning his contribution to fundraising for the Ringway Gospel Centre of the Assemblies of God and his role in constructing 10 rural church temples.
“I do believe in an inter-denominational place where we can worship, but it must be done in consultation with all of us. All of us must decide how we want to do it, what the scope is, and how much it should cost.”
$400 Million Cost “Excessive,” Says President
President Mahama described the current estimated cost of the National Cathedral as far beyond what the country can afford at this time.
“At this time and age, with all the problems we have, $400 million to build a cathedral is excessive,” he said plainly.
He suggested that a more modest, dignified national worship centre—one capable of hosting ceremonies like a National Day of Thanksgiving—might be more realistic given Ghana’s economic conditions.
Next Steps After the Forensic Report
President Mahama assured the Christian Council that once the forensic audit is completed, his government will engage widely with the Christian community and other stakeholders. The aim, he said, is to agree on an appropriate, affordable, and nationally accepted design for a future place of worship.