Government on Friday,July 18, refuted speculation that it plans to convert the stalled National Cathedral site into a Cultural Convention Centre, stating that no final decision has been made on the project’s future.
Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu told reporters that while the 24-hour Secretariat had received a private proposal suggesting alternative use of the land, President John Dramani Mahama has not approved any such plan.
“President Mahama has not taken any such decision,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said during a briefing at Jubilee House. “The proposal was unsolicited, and any determination about the site will follow the completion of a full forensic audit.”
The government’s response comes amid mounting public debate over the fate of the high-profile project, which was once positioned as a symbol of national unity and religious identity but has since become mired in financial controversy. Work on the site has stalled, despite the government having already committed tens of millions of dollars to the effort.
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, a recent Deloitte & Touche audit uncovered widespread financial irregularities, including procurement breaches and undocumented expenditures. The findings prompted President Mahama to dissolve the cathedral’s Secretariat and initiate steps to disband its Board of Trustees.
The Attorney-General has been directed to conduct a forensic audit of both the project and its governing body to establish a clearer financial picture and determine accountability. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that future decisions regarding the site will be contingent on the outcome of that investigation.
The National Cathedral project was initially designed to include a Bible Museum, banquet hall, library, and other amenities, with the goal of boosting faith-based tourism. However, delays, cost overruns, and transparency concerns have fueled public skepticism.
“The matter requires a thorough review,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said. “Once the audit is concluded and all issues are fully understood, a firm decision will be taken on the future of the site.”
