Ghana’s controversial National Cathedral project has returned to the spotlight after Mahama Ayariga expressed support for the concept and indicated his willingness to help mobilise resources for its completion under certain conditions.
Ayariga, the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting.
According to the Bawku Central MP, there was nothing fundamentally wrong with Ghana establishing a National Cathedral for the Christian community. He described the original concept as worthwhile but argued that the manner in which the project was executed created many of the controversies surrounding it.
Ayariga noted that although Ghana is constitutionally a secular country, religion remains deeply rooted in the lives of many citizens. He said churches, mosques and other places of worship play an important role in allowing people to practice their faith.
However, his support does not amount to an unconditional promise to restart construction.
Ayariga explained that, if approved as minister, he would first consult leaders of Ghana’s Christian community to determine whether they still want the National Cathedral completed. If Christian leaders remain committed to the project, he said he would then engage President John Dramani Mahama. Should the President approve its continuation, Ayariga pledged to help mobilise support and funding toward completing it.
He also raised concerns about the project’s location and previous financing approach, suggesting that alternative funding sources, including private and philanthropic support, should have been explored more aggressively.
The National Cathedral, initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has remained one of Ghana’s most debated public projects, particularly over questions surrounding expenditure, accountability and its unfinished state.
Ayariga’s latest comments could now reignite national debate over whether the project should finally be completed, redesigned or abandoned entirely.
