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Tag: National Cathedral

  • National Cathedral is 100% owned by Ghana, not Akufo-Addo – Ken Ofori-Atta

    The embattled Finance Minister says the controversial National Cathedral project belongs to Ghana fully.

    Ken Ofori-Atta said the project does not belong to President Akufo-Addo as asserted in some circles.

    According to him, Ghanaians will enjoy the full benefits of the project and not the President.

    “National Cathedral is 100 per cent owned by the state and is not the President’s cathedral as described by the proponents,” he said when he appeared before the Ad hoc Committee hearing the censure motion against him on Friday.

    Touching on the expenditure for the controversial project, he said he has not breached any laws in that regard.

    He disclosed that the monies that have been disbursed for use for the project were from the contingency vault.

    According to him, this practice is not new as was done by the previous Mahama-led administration.

    Mr Ofori-Atta said he has in his possession several pieces of evidence to prove his claim.

    “Expenditures in respect of the National Cathedral were made from the contingency vault under the other government obligations vault as has been the practice before my tenure.

    “I have several copies of payments from the contingency vault dating back to 2015 to share.

    “Honourable co-chairs as Finance Minister I am fully aware of the approval procedures for use of the contingency funds and I have not breached its requirements,” he added.

  • ‘Let’s rise above witch-hunting, entrapment’ – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has urged the nation to work together as a unit in finding solutions the raging economic challenges instead of fault-finding and blame-gaming.

    “Let us all work as one country to support our labour negotiations, find a solution to the impasse in parliament and rise above witch-hunting and entrapment,” Mr Ofori-Atta said on Friday, 18 November 2022 when he testified before parliament’s ad hoc committee that is investigating seven allegations against him in connection with a censure motion filed against him by the minority caucus.

    At the hearing, Mr Ofori-Atta also said he did not breach the law when he drew funds from the contingency vault to sponsor the construction of the national cathedral.

    “National cathedral is 100 per cent owned by the state and is not the president’s cathedral as described by the proponents”, he said.

    “Expenditures in respect of the national cathedral were made from the contingency vault under the other government obligations vault as has been the practice before my tenure”, Mr Ofori-Atta explained.

    “I have several copies of payments from the contingency vault dating back to 2015 to share”, he added.

    “Honourable co-chairs, as finance minister, I am fully aware of the approval procedures for use of the contingency funds and I have not breached its requirements,” he added on Friday, 18 November 2022.

     

  • Funds invested in National Cathedral legitimately drawn – Ofori-Atta

    The embattled Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, says he has not taken any money from the contingency fund for the construction of the National Cathedral contrary to what the Minority in Parliament is accusing him of.

    The Minister of Finance disclosed this while responding to accusations by the proponent of the motion of censure against him that he has taken monies from the Contingency Fund for the Construction of the National Cathedral project without approval by Parliament.

    “There is a difference between the contingency vote and contingency fund the proponents refer to. Contingent vote under Article 177 constitutes monies voted by Parliament and advance on this must be authorized by the Parliament finance committee,” he told the eight member Ad-hoc Committee hearing the Censure Motion against him.

    He said no specific allocation in the 2014 budget for were made for Ghana’s participation in the FIFA World cup in Brazil.

    “The cabinet of John Mahama in March 2014 then approved some $9.22 million dollars for that tournament in a private jet for the players.

    “The more current example is Ghana’s participation in Qatar, the Black Stars qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We after the 2022 budget was presented on the 16 November 2021 was approved by parliament. A specific amount was voted for it (Black Stars) but through the contingency vote we have been able to provide funds for the team to participate in the competition,” Mr. Ofori-Atta stated.

    He added that expenditure for the National Cathedral was from the contingent vault as has been the practice before his tenure.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta further added that he is aware of the process in getting money from the contingent fund and he will not do the contrary.

    Monies spent on National Cathedral so far below

  • National Cathedral 100% owned by Ghana not Akufo-Addo – Finance Minister

    The embattled Finance Minister says the controversial National Cathedral project belongs to Ghana fully.

    Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta said the project does not belong to President Akufo-Addo as asserted in some circles.

    According to him, Ghanaians will enjoy the full benefits of the project and not the President.

    “National Cathedral is 100 percent owned by the state and is not the President’s cathedral as described by the proponents,” he said when he appeared before the Ad hoc Committee hearing the censure motion against him on Friday.

    Touching on the expenditure for the controversial project, he said he has not breached any laws in that regard.

    He disclosed that the monies that have been disbursed for use for the project were from the contingency vault.

    According to him, this practice is not new as was done by the previous Mahama-led administration.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta said he has in his possession several evidence to prove his claim.

    “Expenditures in respect of the National Cathedral were made from the contingency vault under the other government obligations vault as has been the practice before my tenure.

    “I have several copies of payments from the contingency vault dating back to 2015 to share.

    “Honourable co-chairs as Finance Minister I am fully aware of the approval procedures for use of the contingency funds and I have not breached its requirements,” he added.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Ofori-Atta denies withdrawing from the Contingency Fund for Nat’l Cathedral

    The Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has denied allegation that he withdrew funds from the Contingency Fund for the National Cathedral project.

    He told the 8-member ad hoc committee that is investigating the allegations made against him by the Minority, that it was rather funds from the Contingency Vault that were used for the project.

    The Contingency Fund and the Contingency Vault, he said, are two different thing altogether which should not be confused.

    “I did not withdraw funds from the Contingency Fund for National Cathedral,” he told the committee on Friday November 18.

    He added “The withdrawals were lawfully done from the Contingency Vault and not from the Contingency Fund as alleged by the proponents.”

    I have served with integrity and dignity – Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/2cGwJbIcgM

    — #TV3@25 (@tv3_ghana) November 18, 2022

    The committee dropped two out of the seven charges against him.

    This was after the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) which was called upon by the committee to testify on Thursday did not say that the Finance Minister authroiused  payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts.

    During proceedings on Friday November 18, Co-chair of the committee Dr Dominic Ayine said “…They also did not say anything to the effect that you gave the instructions with respect to that payment. On account of the evidence adduced which kind of contradicted  the evidence that was led by the proponent of the motion, the committee has taken the view that you will not be called to deal with this matter.”

    He added “…So in essence, there are now five grounds that you will have to deal with. Those are grounds 2, that is the unconstitutional withdrawals in relation to the national for national cathedral, then we have ground 5, 6 and 7 to deal with.”

    Mr Ofori-Atta appeared before the committee on Friday November 18 to answer the charges against him.

    In his initial submission, he told the committee that “I am certain Ghanaians will have amore balance view of what has led us here.”

  • I haven’t breached the laws in monies paid for National Cathedral – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has refuted allegations levelled against him with regards to the construction of the National Cathedral Project.

    According to the Minority in Parliament, the Finance Minister has made unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund.

    This, they say, contravenes Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution, which states that no moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except where the issue of those moneys has been authorised by “an Appropriation Act; or by a supplementary estimate approved by resolution of Parliament passed for the purpose; or by an Act of Parliament enacted under article 179 of this Constitution.”

    In response to the allegations, the Finance Minister explained that he has breached no laws.

    Explaining to the ad hoc Committee interrogating the censure motion against him on Friday, Mr Ofori-Atta said “It (the allegation) presupposes that Parliament is assuming the jurisdiction to enforce or interpret a provision of the constitution against the combined effect of Articles 21 and 131, which grants the sole and exclusive power to the Supreme Court.”

    “Nonetheless, I say with bold humility and confidence that I have not breached the constitution in making payment to support the construction of the national cathedral of Ghana,” he added.

    The sector minister also indicated that he has taken no money from the Contingency Fund to make payment for the National cathedral.

    Also, the Minority in Parliament also argue that Mr Ofori-Atta has among other things; made illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts, misreported economic data to Parliament, mismanaged the economy, leading to the depreciation of the Ghana cedi.

  • Ministry of Works and Housing denies knowledge of National Cathedral construction

    Deputy Minister for Works and Housing Abdulai Abanga has indicated his outfit has no knowledge of the construction of the National Cathedral under the Ministry of Works and Housing.

    According to him, the National Cathedral‘s construction is not the ministry’s responsibility.

    Abdulai Abanga made this known after Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo asked the minister about the current state of the national cathedral and also how many judges are still being housed in hotels as a result of the demolition of their bungalows to pave the way for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    In response to these questions, Abdulai Abanga said;

    “…Mr Speaker the question relating to the national cathedral is an activity that is outside the remit of the Ministry of Works and Housing.

    “Mr Speaker the Ministry of works of housing has therefore written to this house in a letter on November 11, 2022, to the principal assistant and assistant clerk and head of table office to draw their attention to this matter,” he added.

    Following his response, the Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, directed that the table office redirect the question to the appropriate office.

  • Halt public funding of National Cathedral, do value-for-money audit – Mahama to govt

    Former President John Dramani Mahama wants the public funding of the National Cathedral project to be put on hold.

    He insists that the construction is currently not a priority for the government, especially in the ongoing economic crunch.

    According to him, a value-for-money audit of the project is crucial as it would “open the way for believers who wish to contribute to its construction.”

    Stop public funding of National Cathedral, do value-for-money audit - Mahama

    “The public funding of the national cathedral, particularly at this time, must stop. Being a Christian myself, and deeply appreciative of the centrality of God in nation building, I agree with most Ghanaians who believe that the project cannot constitute a top priority of government at this moment, warranting further injection of scarce public funds,” he posted on social media on Sunday.

    In the post on Facebook, the former President explained that “because of the non-transparency of the processes and procurements associated with the project, I believe that the cathedral project should be subjected to a value for money audit in other to open the way for believers who wish to contribute to its construction to do so”.

    Controversies

    The populace started questioning the project’s source of financing when the North Tongue MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, put out documents showing that an amount to ¢200 million has been dished out towards the construction of the project.

    These monies, he said, were dished out without recourse to parliamentary processes or strict public procurement practices.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, the Akufo-Addo administration first proclaimed the project as a private and personal pledge; however, public funds are now siphoned to facilitate the task.

    He added that the inclusion of the National Cathedral’s Executive Director on the roll of Presidential Staffers also flies in the face of the law.

    “When you go through the list of Board of Trustees, this gentleman [Dr Paul Opoku Mensah] who has been enlisted here as the Executive Director of the Secretariat, a Secretariat presented as a private entity, has also been enlisted as a Presidential staffer and his position there is an overseer of the National Cathedral.

    “Why is the Ghanaian taxpayer paying somebody who works for a private board of trustees?” he quizzed.

    His revelations has since gotten many influential individuals and pressure groups questioning the transparency and accountability of government.

    Genesis of National Cathedral

    The building of the Cathedral fulfils a pledge President Akufo-Addo revealed he made to God before winning the 2016 elections.

    In 2019, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said the construction of the National Cathedral is estimated to cost over $100 million.

    It has since been amended to $340 million.

    The government has already demolished all structures on the proposed site to construct the National Cathedral at Ridge in Accra, and work is progressing.

    It is also scheduled to be commissioned on March 6, 2024.

    The 5,000-seater auditorium project will also bequeath to the country a gracious national park for all Ghanaians, bring new skills, technology and jobs, and act as a beacon to national, regional and international tourists.

     

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • Joyce Aryee optimistic of donations for National Cathedral despite economic hardship

    A member of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project, Rev. Joyce Aryee, is optimistic Ghana’s economic crisis will not stop donations to the project.

    At a press conference to announce a call centre for Ghanaians to seek answers on the project such as how to make donations, a member of the board of trustees, Rev. Aryee, said she did not expect the economic hardship to persist in the long term.

    “Human beings are so resilient. I am 76. I have lived through worse economic times in our country, therefore, I know economic times are as transient as the seasons of life.”

    “God has a way of touching our lives in ways that sometimes we don’t understand. We are still going to church, aren’t we? And we are still making donations, aren’t we? But times are difficult and that’s what gives me hope that, never mind how difficult times are, some people will willingly support,” she added.

    She further indicated that the call centre is expected to improve the relationship between the public and the cathedral.

    Construction work on the National Cathedral was suspended because of a lack of funds.

    The $450 million project was envisioned by the government in March 2017 as a physical embodiment of national unity, harmony, and spirituality.

    It remains unclear how much has been pumped into the project from donations and government support.

    As of June 2022, various church denominations had contributed GH¢2.21 million towards the construction.

     

     

  • I’ll prefer we use the National Cathedral as a theatre – Sista Afia

    The National Cathedral would have been a great venue to host musical concerts and events that would generate huge revenue for the arts and entertainment industry, this is according to singer, Sista Afia.

    The ‘Asouden’ singer in an interview on GhanaWeb TV with Paula Amma Broni disclosed her wish of converting the much-talked-about edifice into a theatre instead of a place of worship.

    When questioned what she could have done differently as the leader of the Musicians Union of Ghana, she said: “If I was the MUSIGA president, I would talk to Nana Akufo-Addo to give us the National Cathedral to do something for the music industry… a place where we can go do our concert which is actually gonna give money.

    “As for God, He gets plenty churches for here. Make he give the National Cathedral to us, ” she said in Pidgin.

    Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in March 2018 unveiled the design for the cathedral, an interdenominational Christian edifice to be constructed around the Parliament House in Accra.

    The project has received stiff opposition from individuals and groups who believe that the estimated $200 million cost could have been used for more beneficial projects in the country like the construction of roads, improve healthcare, agriculture and education.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

     

  • National Cathedral Board of Trustees refutes reports of resignations

    The Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral has denied reports that rumors that some of its members have resigned.

    “No cathedral member has resigned or is ready to resign. We are even stronger now and resolute that this cathedral will be built at all cost,” the Secretary of the board, Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, said at a press conference.

    Rev Boateng noted that the board had been transparent about the oversight that saw the General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensa Otabil, still listed as a board member on its website despite him not being a member.

    Pastor Otabil decided against joining the board when first approached, according to the secretariat.

    He was appointed as part of the 13-member Board of Trustees, but he indicated to the board that he will not be able to give the needed attention to the project and thus would not want to be registered as a director of the company.

    “We were not ashamed. We came publicly to say it. We should have taken his name from our website, but we were so much into so many things,” Rev Boateng said.

    The resignation notwithstanding, the board said Mr. Otabil was still providing input to the construction of the cathedral.

    “There is not a single cathedral member who has resigned. Even Dr. Mensa Otabil, up till today, is always on phone with us, encouraging us, bringing suggestions and telling us what should be done,” Rev Boateng said.

     

    Source: Citi News

  • Ill never step my foot into Akufo-Addos cathedral Kumawood actor Nana Yeboah

    Popular Kumawood actor Nana Yeboah, known in real life as Felix Nana Yeboah, has vowed never to enter the National Cathedral being constructed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in fulfilment of a promise made to God.

    Akufo-Addo after being sworn into office as President of the Republic of Ghana stated that he made a covenant with God to build him a cathedral during his campaign.

    The president also revealed that the project was not going to be financed with public funds but the contrary appears to have happened following revelations made by some leading members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Speaking on Ghanaman TV on the “Show Kanawu” monitored by MyNewsGH.com, comedian Nana Yeboah said the money being used to build the cathedral must be channelled into different projects like the construction of roads, vowing that he will never step his foot there upon completion.

    “Even if you build that chapel, I, Yeboah Asiamah will not enter. It is wrong for you to say you are building a cathedral. Totally wrong! How is it possible for somebody from afar to travel all the way to Accra before he can access the temple and worship?” Nana Yeboah asked.

    “Use the money to construct roads instead so that people can attest to the fact that you are indeed developing the country. How can you take such an amount to build a church? I will never enter it,” he added.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • Natl Cathedral will lift the hope of Ghanaian Christians when the nation faces crisis – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has said in times of crisis and difficulties, people tend to pay attention to their faith hence his decision to build the National Cathedral as a symbol of faith.

    President Akufo-Addo was speaking in Accra at the 19th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), where he said all over the world people are turning to their faith, hence a project like the National Cathedral will be something Ghanaian Christians can look up to in difficulties.

    The president noted that if one were to consider only developmental needs, there would never be a good time to build a Church, a Cathedral or any of the great buildings of faith around the world in France, Italy and the United States.

    In an address yesterday, the President told critics of the National Cathedral project that he will go ahead with the project no matter the cost involved or how long it will take because there can be no better time to build it.

    “My personal view has always been that even though the Cathedral will be very much a national institution, the cost should be largely borne by the Christian community, with the state providing the land and initial funding to get the project off the ground.” He said.

    “It will serve as a collective thanksgiving to the Almighty for the blessings He has bestowed on Ghana sparing the nation of ravages of civil war that have bedevilled the histories of virtually all neighbours, and the outbreak of mass epidemics.

    “Looking through the history of all the great cathedrals of the world, there has never been what can be called an appropriate time to build a cathedral. Invariably, it has taken many years, sometimes centuries, to complete,” the President added.

     

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • Akufo-Addo highlights seven benefits of the National Cathedral

    President Akufo-Addo has listed seven benefits that will be derived upon the completion of the national cathedral project.

    According to him, the cathedral will fill a missing link in the nation’s spiritual architecture by providing a formal space for religious activities of the state.

    Addressing the symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar at the Christ the King Church Tuesday [July 26, 2022) in Accra, the President also stated that the national cathedral designed by Sir David Adjaye will;

    1. Provide an inter-denominational space for worship

    2. Will place God at the centre of nation-building efforts

    3. Provide an official venue of worship for state occasions in a predominantly Christian nation

    4. Serve as a fulcrum for propagating the Christian faith

    5. Unify the Christian Community

    6. Serve as a tribute to religious liberty

    7. More importantly, it will serve as our collective thanksgiving to the Almighty for the blessings he has bestowed on our nation, sparing us the ravages of civil war that have bedeviled the histories of virtually all our neighbours and the outbreaks of mass epidemics.

    National cathedral construction epochal event

    President Akufo-Addo added that just as the building of the Temple of Solomon was an epoch-making event worldwide, the national cathedral’s construction was an epochal event for the entire African continent.

    He said as a result elements such as the design had been included to make it relevant to the African church.

    “These three initiatives; the path breaking design, the bible museum of Africa and the biblical gardens of Africa will help to ensure the relevance of the project to the church in Africa,” he said.

    Source: Graphiconline.com

  • Nothing fishy about construction of National Cathedral – Prof. Opoku Onyinah assures

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral Project, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, has said that there is nothing shrouded in secrecy about the construction of the National Cathedral.

    He was unhappy about the misconception peddled by some individuals that is further polluting the minds of Ghanaians about the importance of the project.

    Prof. Opoku Onyinah who spoke exclusively to Peacefmonline.com in Kumasi during a temple dedication of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC Asokwa) noted that the President pledged to do four things in support of its construction, i.e provide land, seed money, an architect and also establish a Secretariat.

    All these commitments have been met by the President and that the remaining works are also left in the hands of the Board of Trustees and its Technical Committee.

    He further charged the public should not worry about the monetary matters for the construction of the national cathedral.

    “The project is being supervised by experienced men of God who will ensure prudent management of financial resources,” he noted.

    About Asokwa PIWC

    The PIWC Asokwa, began its journey in 1986 by holding church service in a classroom block at Yaa Achiaa Girls JHS at Roman Hill in Kumasi with obviously few membership.

    Due to difficulties in securing a convenient and conducive place of worship, the church had hold services and meetings in different areas such as Amakom, Asawase and subsequently Asokwa, their current and permanent location.

    Today, the church can boast of over 2,500 membership with plans expanding it to reach out to as many as possible through evangelism.

    Resident Minister, Apostle Dr. Joseph Ignatius Teye Buertey, in an interview disclosed that with the years ahead, they have resolved to intensify evangelism to win more souls for the kingdom of God.

    “We are also keen about deepening the faith of our members to be deeply rooted in the word of God,” he added.

    Chief of Amakom, Nana Adu Mensah urged the church to consider establishing a school. He said this will help build the human resource of the country for national development.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for Asokwa, Hon. Akwannuasa Gyimah also implored on churches in the country to be on high alert and security consciousness in the wake of terrorism threats in neighboring countries.

  • Prof Opoku Onyinah breaks silence on National Cathedral controversies

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana (NCG), Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah, has indicated that the allegations of corruption about the Cathedral project are false.

    According to Prof Opoku Onyinah, nothing untoward is going on with the Cathedral project, as is being reported in the media, citinewsroom.com reports.

    He said that the allegations against the project are “very serious,” but there is “nothing fishy about the monetary affairs.”

    “We cannot betray the trust the nation through the president has given to us,” he added.

    He also indicated that the Church was responsible for building the Cathedral, saying, “the church must mobilise themselves to raise funds to build the project.”

    Prof Opoku Onyinah also appealed that procedural issues are addressed at their levels.

    The Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Rev Kusi Boateng, further said that the payment for the architectural work of the Cathedral was the responsibility of the government.

    He added that the Secretary for the Cathedral will in due time provide all the information on the project to the general public.

    “… it was clear that the government was going to take care of Adjaye and Associates.

    “There is no secrecy surrounding this project and at the right time, whatever needs to be published will be published and whatever needs to be said will be said,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the National Cathedral of Ghana Secretariat has disclosed that it has received over GH¢ 32 million in donations towards the Cathedral project.

    According to the Secretariat, it received over GH¢ 2.6 million in 2018, GH¢ 3.8 million in 2019, GH¢ 13.8 million in 2020, GH¢ 7.7 million in 2021 and GH¢ 3.6 million so far in 2022.

    It indicated that a chunk of the donation was from private individuals and entities, adding that the Church in Ghana contributed over GH¢2 million.

    A document released by the NEC Secretariat showed that the Church of Pentecost, Action Chapel International, Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Southern Ghana Union SDA are the highest donors; contributing GH¢ 700,000, GH¢ 200,000, GH¢ 200,000, GH¢ 200,000, respectively.

    The release also stated that Ghana would have a National Cathedral Week Celebration from July 4 to July 10, 2022.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral: More than GH¢31m donations received so far Secretariat

    The National Cathedral of Ghana Secretariat has disclosed that it has received over GH¢ 32 million in donations towards the Cathedral project.

    According to the Secretariat, it received over GH¢ 2.6 million in 2018, GH¢ 3.8 million in 2019, GH¢ 13.8 million in 2020, GH¢ 7.7 million in 2021 and GH¢ 3.6 million so far in 2022.

    It indicated that a chunk of the donation was from private individuals and entities, adding that the Church in Ghana contributed over GH¢2 million.

    A document released by the NEC Secretariat showed that the Church of Pentecost, Action Chapel International, Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Southern Ghana Union SDA are the highest donors; contributing GH¢ 700,000, GH¢ 200,000, GH¢ 200,000, GH¢ 200,000, respectively.

    The release also stated that Ghana would have a National Cathedral Week Celebration from July 4 to July 10, 2022.

    The Secretariat said that the main purpose of the National Cathedral Week Celebration is to raise funds to aid the completion of the Cathedral.

    “The results of the fundraising so far do not meet the demands of the cash flow for the construction. Thus, we have reached a very critical state where our fundraising efforts have to be scaled up. We believe that with the integration of the Bible Museum and Biblical Gardens now complete and the stalling of the construction, the urgency is established.

    “Overall, the central thrust of our fundraising during the National Cathedral Week is the Mass Mobilization. And our expectation is to raise 1 million Ghanaian Christians who will commit to giving at least 100 cedis a month to the National Cathedral project. With a Christian population of over 20 million Ghanaians, this is doable!” portions of the release read.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • This is not the time for a National Cathedral President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference

    President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, has joined calls by many Ghanaians for the government not to prioritise the National Cathedral of Ghana project.

    According to the Archbishop, building a National Cathedral should not be a priority for the country, given the current hardships Ghanaians are going through, newswiregh.com.

    “Naturally, at this time, I will agree with you and many other critics that when you look at the economy and things that had to be destroyed in order that the Cathedral may come on, we can say that it is definitely not a priority,” Archbishop Naameh is quoted to have said in an interview with NewsWire GH.

    He further stated that since the National Cathedral was President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s promise to God, the president was expected to find the money for the project rather than using taxpayers’ money for it.

    “The whole thing started with the president who said he had a vision, and he made a promise to God that if he was elected president, this is what he would do for God. And so everybody expected that he was going to look for the money, and he has also promised that he was not going to use the taxpayer’s money for it. So, these are facts that are on the table, but I wouldn’t want to comment on them now.

    “But to say that at this present stage it is not a priority, that one I can say. We will prefer to be quiet until we receive the statutes which will contain the management and all that which we have requested for,” he added.

    The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who is also the Archbishop of Tamale, clarified Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, is not representing the church but was selected by President Akufo-Addo to be part of the project.

    The government has come under a lot of criticism by Ghanaians for its insistence on going on with the National Cathedral project even though the country was going through a lot of challenges. Some Ghanaians are saying that the National Cathedral project is Akufo-Addo’s personal promise to God and that there should not be a priority for the government.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Architectural drawing, creation of Burj Khalifa cost $1.8m Saani criticises alleged $22m fee to Sir Adjaye

    Security Analyst Adib Saani has joined the long list of Ghanaians who have criticised the government for the alleged $22 million payment to Sir David Adjaye for his firm’s architectural work on the National Cathedral of Ghana (NCG).

    According to Saani, even the architectural drawing and creation of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, cost $ 1.8 million.

    In a post on Facebook on June 23, 2022, the security analyst indicated that the alleged fee paid to David Adjaye is illogical.

    “The architectural drawing and creation (of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which was designed and created by American architect Adrian Smith) cost $1.8million.

    “The Burj Khalifa height is a staggering 828 meters (2716.5 feet) tall, soaring over Dubai. It’s three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. Laid end to end, its pieces stretch over a quarter of the way around the world. Its cloud-piercing height is certainly one of the most impressive facts about Burj Khalifa.

    “National Cathedral of Ghana architecture by the only qualified architect in Ghana, David Adjaye, cost the taxpayer $22million or perhaps more… How irresponsible, insensitive, callous can you be?” portions of the post shared by Saani read.

    Meanwhile, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has alleged that the architecture work for the National Cathedral project was sole-sourced to Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited at $22 million.

    The $22 million agreement, Simons said, is 10 per cent of the total cost to be incurred for the National Cathedral project.

    In a tweet shared on June 16, 2022, the IMANI vice president added that Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited were paid $6 million even before they commenced work.

    “To build its National Cathedral, Ghana decides to single-source just the architecture to Adjaye & assoc for ~$22m (10% of project cost!) And pay $6m upfront!” portions of the tweet read.

    Read the post by Saani below:

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • I never took $50,000 for performance at National Cathedral fundraiser – Sonnie Badu

    Sonnie Badu has broken silence on the 50,000 dollars he reportedly charged for a ‘brief’ musical performance during the launch of the National Cathedral fundraising campaign held in the United States in February 2019.

    The Ghanaian musician has denied taking a dime from organizers.

    According to Sonnie who responded to the claim in a tweet, he never demanded payment for his service. He again highlighted the poor reception at the fundraising event where none of his team, including himself, was offered a seat.

    “Wow, thanks for alerting me. I was not given a dime …not even a seat for me and my team. We stood outside,” read his response to a Twitter user who wanted clarification on the amount he took for his musical performance.

    Reacting to the singer’s statement, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram and a member of the National Democratic Congress, Sam Nartey George, called out the Nana Addo administration and the National Cathedral Board for fund misappropriation and embezzlement.

    “They claimed to have paid SONNIE BADU $50,000 for a song ministration at the launch in the US. Now he has come out to say he was not given a dime and not even a seat was offered to him and his team. So who took the $50,000? Surely the Trustees do NOT know about this! Again, they claimed to have paid GHS30,000 to each of the gospel artistes who ministered at the launch here in Accra. Can those artistes also confirm if they received these monies?” parts of Sam George’s Facebook read.


    The fundraiser for the construction of the National Cathedral project was held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC back in 2019. The event was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other dignitaries.

     

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral: Sole sourcing contract to David Adjaye illegal Kobina Ata-Bedu

    A Procurement expert, Kobina Ata-Bedu, has questioned the basis on which the architectural design contract for the National Cathedral was sole-sourced to Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited.

    According to him, sole-sourcing the contract to Mr. Adjaye was illegal, since the contract did not qualify for that.

    “I (want to) ask why the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) CEO and board approved the contract because, from an architecture point of view, it does not qualify under any circumstance for sole sourcing,” he said on JoyFMs Super Morning Show, on Monday, June 20.

    His comment follows the allegation by Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, that the architecture work for the National Cathedral project was sole-sourced to Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited at $22 million.

    Mr. Simons had insisted that the $22 million agreement amounts to 10 percent of the total cost to be incurred for the National Cathedral project.

    In a tweet shared on June 16, 2022, the Honorary Vice President of IMANI added that Sir David Adjaye and Associates Limited were paid $6 million even before they commenced work.

    “To build its national cathedral, Ghana decides to single-source just the architecture to Adjaye & assoc for $22m (10% of project cost!) And pay $6m upfront!,” portions of the tweet read.

    Mr. Ata-Bedu also stated that Mr Adjaye had not been inducted into the Architecture register at the time when the contract was awarded to him (which was a prerequisite for awarding the contract), therefore, he was not qualified for the contract.

    What the Law says about sole sourcing

    Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act (act 663) says that;

    (1) A procurement entity may engage in single-source procurement under section 41 with the approval of the Board,

    (a) where goods, works, or services are only available from a particular supplier or contractor, or if a particular supplier or contractor has exclusive rights in respect of the goods, works or services, and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists;

    (b) where there is an urgent need for the goods, works or services and engaging in tender proceedings or any other method of procurement is impractical due to unforeseeable circumstances giving rise to the urgency which is not the result of dilatory conduct on the part of the procurement entity;

    (c) where owing to a catastrophic event, there is an urgent need for the goods, works or technical services, making it impractical to use other methods of procurement because of the time involved in using those methods;

    d) where a procurement entity, that has procured goods, equipment, technology or services from a supplier or contractor, determines that

    (i) additional supplies need to be procured from that supplier or contractor because of standardisation; (ii) there is a need for compatibility with existing goods, equipment, technology, or services, taking into account the effectiveness of the original procurement in meeting the needs of the procurement entity; (iii) the limited size of the proposed procurement in relation to the original procurement provides justification;

    (e) where the procurement entity seeks to enter into a contract with the supplier or contractor for research, experiment, study, or development, except where the contract includes the production of goods in quantities to establish commercial viability or recover research and development costs; or (f) where the procurement entity applies this Act for procurement that concerns national security and determines that single-source procurement is the most appropriate method of procurement.

    2) A procurement entity may engage in single-source procurement with the approval of the Board after public notice and time for comment where procurement from a particular supplier or contract or is necessary in order to promote a policy specified in section 59(4)(c), (d) or 69(2)(c)(i), and procurement from another supplier or contractor cannot promote that policy.

    Touching on this, Mr. Ata-Bedu insisted that the contract does not meet any of the above requirements mentioned for a contract to qualify for sole-sourcing.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

     

  • National Cathedral now a state-owned project – National Cathedral Director

    The Executive Director of the National Cathedral, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, says the national cathedral can no longer be classified as a private project.

    According to Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, the national cathedral project is currently a state-owned project as it has now been incorporated under Ghana’s Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179).

    The project was incorporated under Ghana’s Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) on Thursday, July 18, 2019.

    He made the revelation in a press statement dated Friday, June 17.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the National Cathedral is a National Monument, and thus public, not private, project. Legally, the National Cathedral of Ghana is a state-owned company limited by guarantee and was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) on July 18, 2019.

    “We hope this brings to a closure the seemingly vexatious issue of whether the National Cathedral is a private or public initiative. The National Cathedral is a National Monument and Asset, and not a Private project.”

    The Executive Director, however, stated that the project is being developed in partnership between the state and the church.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/2022/06/mensa-otabil-hasnt-been-a-member-of-board-of-trustees-since-2019-executive-director-of-national-cathedral/

    Earlier, President Akufo-Addo stated that the national cathedral was a private project he was undertaking in fulfilment of a promise he made to God Almighty while in opposition.

    Recent revelations by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that state funds have been used by the current government to construct the cathedral.

    Mr Ablakwa stated that close to GH¢200 million from state coffers has been spent by the government.

    But Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah explained that Ghana will in the long run benefit from the project therefore the need to have it as a state facility despite it serving as “gesture of thanksgiving, symbol of the Christian presence and contributions to the nation, and a personal pledge to God.”

    He indicated that the project presents a model that would help in managing the country’s monuments.

    “The Cathedral and Museum will also serve as a convening platform for National, African, and Global conversations on the role of faith and national transformation. The addition of an economic engine to this national monument consisting of multiple revenue sources, including multipurpose rental spaces, 1000+ seater banquet hall. A 350-seater restaurant Cafe, shop, theaters, conference hall, etc, introduces a sustainable model for managing our national monuments.”

    Mensa Otabil excused himself, he did not resign Executive Director of National Cathedral

    Mensa Otabil excused himself, he did not resign Executive Director of National Cathedral

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • National Cathedral brouhaha: We can’t grow and sustain our transformation without spirituality – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has underscored the need for the country to pay critical attention to its spiritual development amidst the seemingly rage over the construction of the National Cathedral project using taxpayers’ money.

    In an interview with the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr. Ofori-Atta explained that the country had done well in striving for political independence and economic development however was lacking in the area of spirituality.

    He stated that the country cannot grow and sustain its transformation without a holistic approach which should include focusing on spiritual development as well.

    “The issue of National Cathedral seems to generate in modern times this type of discourse but the questions being asked are one you are a secular state, why are you getting into this and really; is that the question because the Supreme Court answer is that if the nature of the people are religious, then it is incumbent of government to have the infrastructure to do that.

    “I think that there are three pillars of nation-building with regards to political independence which our first president did and led to Africa getting independent.

    “The second one is being one of investment and trade and to get into economic emancipation which through Nana Akufo-Addo we now have free trade agreement headquartered here.

    “So, we are getting these two pillars. The third clearly has to be that spirituality and so with that third leg, we cannot grow and sustain our transformation without a holistic view and I think we need to understand that,” Ken Ofori-Atta said.

    The National Cathedral project has in recent weeks come under intense public scrutiny over its funding.

    The government reportedly provided seed money for the project despite earlier assurances that it was going to be financed by the Church.

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has so far dolled out over GH₵190 million in funding for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    His comment came after a recent report that the government has released an amount of GH₵25 million for the project.

    In a post on his social media handle, Mr. Ablakwa said the government had earlier released an amount of over GH₵142 million bringing the cumulative funding for the project to GH₵199,832,603.00.

    He detailed that this latest amount was concealed from Parliament and was additionally hidden from the Auditor-General in his 2020 audit.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • National Cathedral Secretariat offers 3,500 LIMITED membership slots from GHS7,000-GHS79,000 for priority entrance, others

    Did you know, you could be enlisted as a founding member of the much talked about National Cathedral upon completion? Yes, the National Cathedral secretariat, according to their website  nationalcathedralghana.org is offering a limited 3500 member slot to individuals willing to sign up and “solidify” their “spot amongst the select few founding members of the National Cathedral of Ghana”

    ​All signatories will have amongst other benefits; a lifetime entrance to the museum and gardens, lifelong recognition on our Founding Member Wall, a special viewing of all exhibits before being open to the public, free admission to paid exhibits, priority entrance and VIP tickets to all grand opening events, amongst other benefits.

    The Secretariat offers three levels of membership, namely; Limited Founder Membership, Limited Presidential Founder Membership and Limited Chairman Founding Membership.

    Each Level of Membership, renewable yearly, has a limited quantity available.

    The Limited Founder Membership, which has 2,000 slots and goes for, USD1,000/approximately GHS 7,999.36, offers a;

    • Lifetime entrance to the museum and gardens
    • 10% discount at the gift shop and restaurant
    • Priority Entrance
    • Reduced price on fee-based exhibits
    • Invitation to annual celebration banquet
    • Recognition on the Founding Member Wall

    The Limited Presidential Founder Membership, has 1,000 slots and is priced at USD5,000/approximately GHS 39,996.8. It comes with a;

    • Lifetime entrance to the museum and gardens
    • 10% discount at the gift shop and restaurant
    • Priority Entrance
    • Free admission to fee-based exhibits
    • Invitation to annual celebration banquet at a reduced price
    • Viewing of special exhibits prior to being open to public
    • Recognition on the Founding Member Wall

    The Limited Chairman Founding Membership, has an exclusive 500 slots and is priced at USD10,000/approximately GHS 79,993.6. It offers;

    • Lifetime entrance to the museum and gardens
    • 10% discount at the gift shop and restaurant
    • Priority Entrance
    • Free admission on fee-based exhibits
    • Invitation to annual celebration banquet for two
    • Invite for two to the private reception following banquet
    • Viewing of special exhibits prior to being open to public
    • Recognition on the Founding Member Wall
    • Priority listed for all Exploration trips
    • Limited edition memento
    • VIP tickets to all grand opening events

    The National Cathedral will comprise 3 main areas namely; A Cathedral, The Biblical Museum of Africa and The Biblical Gardens of Africa.

    • 5,000 permanent seat auditorium

    • Auditorium expands to 15,000 seats

    • Baptistery Chapel

    • Conference Center

    • Grand Ballroom and Restaurant

    • Music and Choir Areas

    • National Crypt

    • Chapels

    The Biblical Museum of Africa will comprise “the Bible in the African Church and the African influence in the Bible; Africa and The New Testament; and Africa and The Old Testament.”

    THEATRE OF AFRICA
    THE BIBLE IN AFRICA

    OLD TESTAMENT PAVILION
    OLD TESTAMENT PAVILION

    The Biblical Gardens of Africa

    On March 6, 2017, President Akufo-Addo cut the sod  to signify the beginning of the National Cathedral’s development. Having it situated close to the State House in Ghana’s capital, the president described the Cathedral as a non-denominational worship space and a thanksgiving gesture to God. He has since held to his, desire to, complete the project as his way of honouring  a promise he made to God concerning his 2016 victory.

    Many Ghanaians have questioned the validity of building a Cathedral at the expense of other development projects that need urgent attention.  Others like Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa are more concerned by the President’s means of funding the project especially considering the nation’s current economic difficulties.

    The MP in Twitter thread purportedly that the President has since 2020 disbursed close to, GHC200million towards the development of the project and suggesting a misappropriation of state funds. While the government is yet to respond to these allegations, there have been several platforms created after the launch of the project aimed at encouraging donations from Ghanaians home and abroad. Since then, some individuals and organisations have donated huge sums towards the project.

    Source:  backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Why Togbe Afede gave Adom-Otchere his BMW 7 series for his wedding

    After Paul Adom-Otchere‘s criticism of Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, President of Asogli Traditional Area, some individuals who feel that the journalist was disrespectful to the traditional ruler brought out evidence of how he [Togbe Afede] has helped him [Adom-Otchere] in the past.

    Photos of Adom-Otchere’s wedding and Togbe Afede’s BMW 7 series vehicle went viral on social media, with people saying that Paul Adom-Otchere is ungrateful to Togbe Afede.

    Attached to the wedding photos was an indication that the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, President of the Asogli Traditional Area, also paid the school fees of the broadcaster while at the Ghana School of Law, Makola.

    Reacting to the claims on his TV show, Paul Adom-Otchere admitted that Togbe Afede’s BMW 7 series was part of the vehicles he had used for his wedding, but it was just for two hours.

    He explained, “when I was doing my wedding, I was a director at Citi FM we had set it up, I was doing Good Evening Ghana, I was already successful Togbe Afede was a great friend of mine.

    “I was talking to Togbe Afede about this wedding. I told him that Kofi Amoah is giving me his car, BMW 7 series, for the wedding. This wedding, I had about 14 cars, two of them were mine, and the rest were given to me by people. When I said I was going to get married, people blessed me; I was favoured.

    “I said that Togbe, Kofi Amoah is giving me his BMW 7 series Kofi Amoah’s car and Togbe’s car were exactly the same so, I said I need your car, so, that when the thing opens, the two BMWs will come then the Mercedes will follow…I just wanted to show off. My car was Mercedes…,” he narrated on his show.

    On the issue of Togbe Afede paying his Law School fees, Adom-Otchere narrated that he had a conversation with Togbe, who was a good friend, that he was now reading law at Makola and Togbe asked his assistant, a lady, to do a cheque for him to pay off some of his fees.

    “On the day that the money was ready, the lady called me and said, your cheque is ready. [I asked what cheque] and she said the money that Togbe said we should organise for your school fees. So, I said cheque de3 how; me I want cash. So, I went to Togbe and said, the lady said the thing is cash ooo; he laughed, and he was considering it, but the lady said they can’t do cash….”

    Adom-Otchere noted that the reason why he needed the cash was that at the time, his fees had been paid, but because Togbe had promised to pay part of it, he delivered on his promise.

    “What is the point about this?” Paul Adom-Otchere quizzed.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral: Akufo-Addo paid GHS32m to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd as consultancy fee – Ablakwa alleges

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu MP, has claimed that an amount of GHS32million was paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd for the National Cathedral project.

    According to the MP, this amount was paid to the company by President Akufo-Addo in 2021 for its consultancy services.

    Per the document referenced by Mr Ablakwa, Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd also interviewed contractors.

    Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd designed the new National Cathedral.

    This information comes barely 24hours after it was reported that the Akufo-Addo government has allocated an amount of GHS25 million for the National Cathedral project.

    The North Tongu MP made this revelation. In the document sighted by The Independent Ghana and signed by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, it said that the Finance Ministry has given the National Cathedral Secretariat an extra GH25 million as seed money.

    In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Ablakwa described the allocation as shocking while hinting at the government’s misplaced priority.

    “Considering the current debilitating economic crisis, why is the Akufo-Addo govt releasing a colossal GHS25million for the National Cathedral project? Shockingly, this is the same govt claiming lack of funds to pay NABCo trainees, School feeding caterers, service personnel.”

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/2022/06/why-is-the-akufo-addo-government-releasing-a-colossal-ghs25m-for-national-cathedral-project-ablakwa-quizzes/

    Mr Ablakwa claims that so far, per his investigations, an amount of GHS57million has been spent on the project. He however believes that the government has engaged in more spending.

    Meanwhile, the North Tongu MP says Parliament has not been informed about the procurement process that took place for the construction of the National Cathedral project.

    “We as Members of Parliament have not approved all of these colossal sums of money that are being released to companies we are seeing for the first time.

    “We are not even aware of the procurement processes that were followed for these companies and consultants who are today, at the receiving end of hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

  • National Cathedral could generate $83M within five years Secretariat

    The Chief Executive Officer of the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, wants Ghanaians to view the $200 million yet-to-be-completed edifice as an investment.

    Speaking on Citi TVs The Point of View after an appeal for funds towards the construction of the project, Dr. Opoku-Mensah said “within a three year [to] five-year period, based on very conservative estimates, [the cathedral can generate] about $83 million.”

    He listed the banquet halls, multi-purpose centres, and the bible museum in the cathedral as some potential earners.

    For the government, the plan which is “beyond just the national level usage is to drive traffic here.”

    Dr. Opoku-Mensah said the government plans to develop international partnerships “so that once the cathedral is opened, we are going to have these international events being hosted here.”

    Further defending the need for the national cathedral, Dr. Opoku-Mensah said such edifices are essential for nation-building.

    “All nation-building has these sacred spaces… These are important because that is where the sacred rituals of the nation take place.”

    “Why would [France President] Macron say the Notre Dame is the epicentre of their national life? [He said that] Because, over time, these sacred spaces really become the spaces around which we have these collective rituals that build that sense of nationhood.”

    On why the sacred facility has to be a Christian edifice, Dr. Opoku-Mensah noted that “if you look at the history of our nation-building, Ghana is located within the Judeo-Christian tradition because we were colonized by the English.”

    The National Cathedral is expected to be completed by March 2024.

    The project was proposed by the government in March 2017 as a physical embodiment of national unity, harmony, and spirituality.

    The $200-million inter-denominational cathedral will have an auditorium capable of seating 5,000 people, as well as chapels and a baptistery.

    Even before the National Cathedral project is completed, the government has announced a date for the commissioning.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta had said the Cathedral would be officially opened on March 6, 2024, upon completion.

    He made this known while delivering the 2021 mid-year budget review in Parliament on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Akufo-Addo has redeemed GH¢100,000 pledge towards National Cathedral

    In late December 2018 when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched the National Cathedral Fundraising Campaign, he made a financial pledge towards the project.

    “I am proud to call myself a leading member of this coalition (of fundraisers), and I pledge GH¢100,000 as my personal contribution,” President Akufo-Addo said at the time.

    That promise has been redeemed by the president according to a Member / Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral Project.

    Prophet Kusi Boateng in comments made on August 1 on Joy News’ ‘The Probe’ program, confirmed that the president had made payments to that effect. “The president has, he has redeemed his pledge,” Kusi Boateng responded when asked about the pledge.

    The issue of the cathedral has returned to the national conversation with last week’s appeal by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, that individuals should contribute financially each month towards the project.

    Providing an update on the construction of the National Cathedral during the delivery of the Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 29, 2021, Ofori-Atta said government is hopeful of completing the edifice in 2024.

    “Work on the National Cathedral is progressing speedily. Upon completion, the National Cathedral would provide a sacred space for formal religious activities of State and symbolise the enormous contribution of faith to Nation Building,” he said.

    “This state and church partnership envisaged by the president to develop the National Cathedral is on course. An initiative, the GH¢100 a month also dubbed Ketoa Biaa Nsua, will be launched by the trustees of the National Cathedral on August 12, 2021, to give as many Ghanaians as possible the opportunity to be part of the history of the National Cathedral.

    “A special shortcode 979 has been developed for this purpose as we look forward to Mr Speaker and all the members of this house to join in the GH₵100 a month initiative,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral will be open on March 6, 2024 – Ken Ofori-Atta

    The National Cathedral will be open on March 6, 2024, declares the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    He explained that with the progress of work so far, works on the national edifice should be completed by the said date and open to the public.

    “Mr. Speaker, work on the National Cathedral is progressing speedily, and following the program of the contractors, — and with God helping us, — the National Cathedral is expected to be officially commissioned on March 6, 2024.

    “Upon completion, the National Cathedral would provide a sacred space for formal religious activities of State and symbolize the enormous contribution of faith to Nation Building,” he said.

    He made this known while delivering the Mid-Year Budget Review to the Parliament of Ghana on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral: Apostle Onyinah appointed Board of Trustees Chair

    Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral project under construction.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made the announcement at the Presidency on Monday, 8 February 2021.

    The President noted that Apostle Opoku Onyinah is a worthy replacement for founding Trustee Chairman, Most Rev Samuel Asante Antwi.

    Most Rev Samuel Asante Antwi passed away on September 13, 2020.

    In his acceptance remarks, Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah expressed the appreciation of the Trustees to the President for the privilege to serve as trustees.

    He also expressed gratitude for the honour conferred on him by the President.

    He also hoped that he and his team will work to ensure the completion of the National Cathedral.

    Meanwhile, construction work has resumed on the National Cathedral at Ridge in Accra.

    This comes after work on the site designated for the sprawling edifice, was stalled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

    Demolition works on the houses and offices on the site earmarked for the cathedral has begun as the occupants have vacated the premises.

    Offices including the Passport Office had to be relocated to another building at Ridge.

    The construction of the Cathedral began on Thursday, 5 March 2020.

    The edifice, when completed, will accommodate close to 20,000 Ghanaians during national programs such as swearing-in of presidents-elect, state burials and major Christian programmes among others.

    Source: Class FM

  • National Cathedral project to begin in October 2020 Board of Trustees

    Construction of the National Cathedral is set to begin in early October 2020.

    This was disclosed in a Citi News interview by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the project, Victor Kusi Boateng.

    Construction of the cathedral was initially expected to begin in April 2020.

    Victor Kusi Boateng said the new date will not affect the timely completion of the project.

    “It had to be delayed because there were a few complications here and there with regard to people that were going to work on the project. Actual construction will begin in October [2020] if not for the COVID-19. By the grace of God the main contractor of the project is almost approved and so by the first or second week of October construction will start,” he added.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been criticised for his decision to build a National Cathedral in the face of numerous challenges facing the country.

    In his defence, the President has said the construction is in fulfilment of a promise he made to God in the run-up to the 2016 election.

    The monument is expected to be put up within the next five years and will have a 5,000 seating capacity with chapels, a baptistery, a music school, an art gallery and a Bible museum.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Government imports stone from Jerusalem to sanctify National Cathedral foundation

    A Stone has been imported from Jerusalem to lay a foundation for the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral.

    Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Shani Cooper presented the stone to President Akufo-Addo at the sod-cutting ceremony to pave way for the actual work which is expected to begin on Friday, March 6, 2020, in the heart of Accra.

    The stone, according to her, will symbolize the sacredness of the land earmarked for the project as Christians regard Jerusalem to be the most sacred site in the world.

    She added that Isreal’s involvement in the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral will strengthen ties between the two countries.

    The interdenominational Christian Cathedral, when completed, will have a 5,000 seating capacity with chapels, a baptistery, a music school, an art gallery, and a Bible museum.

    It will also serve as a venue for formal state occasions of religious nature such as state funerals, thanksgiving services among others, according to President Akufo-Addo.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • National Cathedral construction can continue – Supreme Court rules

    The Supreme Court has in a unanimous decision refused an application seeking to halt ongoing construction works on the National Cathedral.

    The seven-member panel presided over by Chief Justice Kwesi Anin Tuesday ruled that appropriate remedies exist to be used by the court to provide compensation if it rules against the state in the substantive case.

    A businessman, Jonathan Holm, is in court alleging that government has breached portions of the constitution in allowing state land to be used in a manner that does not serve the public interest.

    He wants a declaration of the action as unconstitutional with the land returned to its original owners.

    Court correspondent Joseph Ackah-Blay was in court as the panel urged the lawyers for the businessman to pursue the substantive matter since this is the second time it has refused an application filed by them.

    National Cathedral

    More soon…

    Source: Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim

  • Inside the new Ghana national mosque whose completion has delayed since 2016

    Ghanaian Muslims are readying to worship in the new $10 million ultra-modern national mosque built by the Turkish Hudai Foundation in Accra with the support of the Turkish government.

    The 15,000 seater-capacity mosque complex built on a 40-acre land at Kanda has ancillary facilities including a library complex, office and residence for the Chief Imam, research complex, a senior high school complex, a clinic, an administration block, an auditorium, and a conference center.

    The complex has been in the completion stage since March 2016 when former president John Mahama promised it would be finished in the next two or three months during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the country.

    In February 2017, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also promised an end of year completion of the mosque during an inspection of the construction in the company of the National Chief Imam Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and other Muslim clerics.

    Now scheduled to be opened to the public in 2020, the mosque in its incomplete state is a beauty to behold and qualifies to be one of the must-visit national assets in the country.

    Through the lenses of Alex Tackie, a filmmaker and photographer who was commissioned to document its beauty, GhanaWeb gives you a glimpse of what will soon be one of the busiest locations in Accra in the next century and over.

    Watch the video below:

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com