CenPOA Urges Akufo-Addo To Fund National Cathedral Privately, Opposes State Involvement

The Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), a non-partisan and non-governmental civil society organisation, has strongly urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to fulfil his vow of building the National Cathedral through private fundraising efforts—without state involvement.

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CenPOA urges ex-President Akufo-Addo to mobilize private individuals to complete
the National Cathedral

In a statement issued on Monday, April 7, 2025, CenPOA expressed deep concern over recent remarks made by Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, about possibly reviving the controversial project using public funds.

CenPOA reminded the public that the National Cathedral was originally a personal religious vow made by Akufo-Addo and that its continuation with taxpayer money would amount to "political dishonesty" and a betrayal of public trust.

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“We encourage former President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his vow to God using private means. With his tenure now concluded, he has the opportunity and time to mobilize private support to complete the project, in line with his original intent,” the statement said.

The group emphasized that public funds should not be allocated to nonessential religious projects, especially at a time when Ghana faces pressing challenges in healthcare, education, and employment. The use of state resources, CenPOA noted, must reflect the immediate needs of the majority and be devoid of religious bias.

CenPOA also recalled that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), during its 2024 election campaign, publicly opposed the project and pledged to repurpose the site into a 500-unit children’s hospital and fertility centre. The organisation said any move to the contrary would undermine the credibility of the Mahama-led administration.

“CenPOA strongly believes that any attempt to reintroduce government involvement or allocate public funds to the National Cathedral would constitute political dishonesty and a serious betrayal of the trust placed in the government by Ghanaians,” the group added.

The National Cathedral project has long been a source of political and public controversy. Originally unveiled as a national place of worship and unity, the initiative has since been plagued by funding issues, transparency concerns, and intense political debate. It was initially conceived in 2017 and gained momentum with the promise of being a beacon of religious harmony. However, over the years, it became emblematic of government overspending, especially as economic conditions worsened.

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CenPOA’s concerns are heightened by reports that over $58 million of public funds were spent on the project during Akufo-Addo’s presidency. Yet, despite this massive expenditure, the construction remains incomplete, leaving critics questioning the project’s financial prudence and transparency.

The organisation emphasized that former President Akufo-Addo should now rely entirely on private contributions if he still wishes to complete the project, adding that it would be a demonstration of personal commitment and moral leadership.

Furthermore, CenPOA called on the current government to remain committed to its promises of fiscal discipline and the separation of church and state. The statement cautioned that any deviation could not only stir public outrage but also weaken the administration’s moral and political authority.

“If Hon. Ibrahim’s remarks were intended as his personal opinion, we respectfully remind him that, in his capacity as a Minister, he must refrain from imposing personal religious beliefs on governance. Blurring the lines between religion and state affairs could affect his political future and damage the credibility of the NDC government.”

CenPOA concluded by reiterating that the legitimacy of Ghana’s democracy rests on the government’s ability to prioritize the needs of its citizens and adhere to constitutional principles. Any further use of public funds for the National Cathedral, they said, would be inconsistent with those values.

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The organisation is calling on citizens, civil society groups, and the media to remain vigilant and hold the government accountable to its campaign promises. It also encourages the public to engage in constructive dialogue on the role of religion in governance, and to advocate for the efficient use of national resources.

As the debate around the National Cathedral continues, CenPOA's position adds a strong civil society voice to the conversation—one that urges transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the upholding of democratic principles in Ghana’s public life.