Ghana launches probe into $400M cathedral amid economic woes
The new president of Ghana, John Mahama, announced an investigation into the construction of the national cathedral, which costs $400 million. The project is controversial in a country grappling with an economic crisis.
President Mahama stated that the government will investigate the plans for building the national cathedral, which is estimated to cost $400 million. According to BBC News, the project has created societal divisions, especially given the current economic challenges. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo promised to build the cathedral, crediting his party’s success in the 2016 elections to divine intervention.
The cathedral instead of government buildings
The cathedral was intended to be privately funded, yet $58 million of public funds have already been allocated. There is now only a large crater on the construction site in downtown Accra, where state buildings once stood.
The new Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, indicated that public funds will no longer be used for this project.
Ghana is experiencing the worst economic crisis in a generation and last year received $3 billion in aid from the International Monetary Fund. Inflation, although reduced due to this aid, remains high at 23.8 percent. Construction on the cathedral has been halted due to non-payment to contractors.
