Mahama Rejects Taxpayer Money for National Cathedral
The National Cathedral conversation resurfaced strongly this week in Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama made his position clear during a citizens’ engagement. He spoke on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Wa.
Mahama said he disagrees with using taxpayers’ money for the project. He argued that the Christian community has the numbers and resources. They can raise funds to complete the National Cathedral themselves. This National Cathedral conversation now centers on funding and responsibility.
President Mahama Shares His Personal Position
President Mahama said he has no objection to building a national cathedral. He himself is a Christian, he reminded the audience. However, he disagreed with the previous administration’s chosen location.
The area was already too congested, he explained. Parliament House, the Accra International Conference Centre, and the National Theatre sit there. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital also occupies that same area. This National Cathedral conversation includes serious concerns about location and planning.
A Personal Pledge, Not State Policy
President Mahama said the project began as a personal pledge. Former President Akufo-Addo made this pledge to God, he noted. It was not an official state policy, Mahama argued.
“My second problem was that we shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money,” he said. Mahama believes Ghana’s large Christian population can raise the needed funds. “If we all pay a thousand cedis each, we should be able to construct a national cathedral,” he stated. This National Cathedral conversation challenges Christians to take ownership.
Comparing the Cathedral to the National Mosque
President Mahama compared the cathedral project to the National Mosque. He said the mosque was constructed without government funding. Ghana’s Muslim community secured support from a Turkish Muslim NGO. That organization helped construct the mosque successfully. Mahama suggested Christians could follow a similar path. This comparison adds a new dimension to the National Cathedral conversation.
Nearly $90 Million Already Spent
President Mahama revealed that almost $90 million was spent on the project. A forensic audit into the expenditure has been completed. The audit report is currently with the Attorney-General. Mahama said he intends to share a copy with the Christian Council. This review would let the Council examine how money was spent and determine whether corrective action is required.
Christian Council Establishes Technical Committee
Last week, the Christian Council of Ghana established a technical committee. This committee will explore the way forward for the stalled project. Representatives from various Christian groupings will serve on it. The committee will examine key issues surrounding the project. Funding and location are particular areas of focus. Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson chairs the Christian Council. He said the committee will consider other relevant matters too.
Committee Timeline and Reporting Structure
Rev. Thompson said the committee expects to finish within a month. They will submit findings and recommendations to the Minister for Local Government. Mahama Ayariga holds that ministerial position. The recommendations will then go to President Mahama. These findings will guide decisions on the project’s future. The National Cathedral conversation will continue as these processes unfold.
What Comes Next for the Project?
The National Cathedral conversation raises important questions for Ghana. Should the state fund religious buildings with public money? Can private donors complete this ambitious project? Will the forensic audit reveal troubling spending patterns?
The Christian Council’s committee will provide valuable guidance soon. President Mahama’s position sets a clear direction.
Taxpayers will likely not fund this project going forward.
