Dormaahene calls on Mahama to ensure accountability over alleged corruption in National Cathedral project

The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Nana Freduah Agyemang Badu II, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to pursue accountability — including possible prosecutions — over suspected corruption linked to the National Cathedral project.

He made the call during the President’s visit to the Bono Region for a sod-cutting ceremony marking the start of major road construction under the government’s Big Push programme.

Speaking to attendees, the Court of Appeal judge noted that corruption was a major concern for voters and a key reason many Ghanaians supported President Mahama. He stressed that allegations surrounding the National Cathedral project must not be ignored.

“One of the main reasons Ghanaians voted for you is corruption,” he said. “When it comes to the National Cathedral, the sums involved are staggering. Many of us believed the cost was about 56 million dollars, only to later learn it had risen to 96 or even 97 million dollars.”

The Dormaahene cautioned against efforts to dismiss or minimise concerns about the project, insisting that any suspected wrongdoing must be examined through proper legal channels.

“If the Attorney-General comes out to say there is no corruption in this matter, I will be compelled to take legal action against whoever is responsible,” he stated. “Mr President, do not allow anyone to convince you that there are no issues here. Anyone found to have acted improperly must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

The National Cathedral project, initiated under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a symbol of national unity and Christian faith, has become one of the most contentious public projects in Ghana’s recent history.

Although it was designed as a non-denominational Christian worship centre, the project faced persistent delays, rising costs, transparency concerns and widespread public criticism over the use of public funds in a secular state.

The current administration has since announced plans to repurpose the stalled project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), which it intends to develop as a central platform for Ghana’s growing creative industry and cultural diplomacy initiatives.