Good Idea, Poor Execution: Ayariga weighs in on National Cathedral

Mahama Ayariga, the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has backed the idea of a National Cathedral but criticised the manner in which the project was carried out under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, the Bawku Central MP said Ghana’s strong religious character makes the establishment of major places of worship understandable, despite the country’s constitutional status as a secular state.

Ayariga said he therefore saw no fundamental problem with creating a national worship centre for Christians. However, he questioned key decisions surrounding the Akufo-Addo-led project, particularly the site selected for the cathedral.

While acknowledging the merit of the original concept, he argued that shortcomings in its implementation had undermined the project.

In his assessment, the National Cathedral was a worthwhile concept, but the execution left much to be desired.