Franklin Cudjoe, founder and president of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, has strongly criticized the National Cathedral project in Ghana, labeling it a “religious fraud” and an “economic crime.” In a post on social media, Cudjoe urged the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to hold accountable those involved in the project should he win the upcoming December election.
Cudjoe’s comments come amid growing concerns over the National Cathedral’s stalled construction. Millions of dollars have reportedly been spent on the project, yet there is little to show for it aside from unfinished foundations. The area has been left neglected, with recent rainfall turning the foundation holes into stagnant pools of water. This led the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to sarcastically refer to the site as a “swimming pool.”
In his post, Cudjoe also addressed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flag bearer, asking him to reconsider his promise to continue the project if elected. Bawumia had pledged to raise funds to complete the cathedral, a promise that has drawn criticism given the US$58 million already spent.
Cudjoe expressed that allowing the project to proceed in its current form would be a misuse of public funds, calling for an investigation by the Auditor-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to recover the wasted money. He emphasized the need for both Mahama and Bawumia to consider the broader economic implications before making any further commitments to the National Cathedral.
His call for justice reflects a growing public sentiment against the project, with many questioning its value amid Ghana’s pressing economic challenges. As the political race heats up, the fate of the National Cathedral remains a contentious issue, sparking debate over the accountability of public funds and the prioritization of national projects.
