Reverend Jubilant Boakye Danquah, a respected figure with a distinguished background as a former US Military Hospital Chaplain and retired Methodist minister, has expressed his profound reservations regarding the potential discontinuation of the National Cathedral Project by a prospective National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. His concerns stem from the NDC’s campaign pronouncements suggesting their intention to halt the project if elected in 2024, citing the diversion of national development funds towards its construction. Rev. Boakye Danquah, however, posits that the Cathedral, despite the political controversies surrounding it, holds immense cultural and social significance for Ghana, transcending its initial conception and evolving into a project of national importance.
Rev. Boakye Danquah argues that the National Cathedral, upon completion, could serve as a pivotal venue for crucial national events, including presidential inaugurations, state gatherings, national awards ceremonies, and state funerals. He envisions the Cathedral as a monument that would elevate Ghana’s stature on the world stage, drawing parallels to the symbolic and functional roles played by national cathedrals in other countries like the United States, France, and Germany. These structures, he emphasizes, are not merely places of worship but also serve as powerful symbols of national unity, pride, and cultural heritage, attracting visitors and fostering a sense of shared identity.
The reverend challenges the NDC’s narrative that frames the project as a personal pledge by an individual to God. He contends that the Cathedral’s scope has broadened considerably, moving beyond individual commitments and firmly establishing itself as a project of national interest. He cautions against abandoning the project, which was initially conceived as a unifying symbol for the nation, arguing that such a decision could jeopardize the long-term social and economic benefits that a landmark of this magnitude could potentially generate. He believes that the Cathedral, irrespective of its origins, has become a national endeavor deserving of support and completion.
While acknowledging the controversies and challenges that have plagued the project, particularly regarding its funding and execution, Rev. Boakye Danquah urges President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider any plans for its cancellation. He emphasizes that completing the National Cathedral would not only fulfill the initial pledge but would also provide a dignified and befitting venue for national events, fostering a sense of collective identity among Ghanaians. He underscores the importance of looking beyond the political rhetoric and recognizing the long-term potential of the Cathedral as a symbol of national unity and pride.
Rev. Boakye Danquah’s perspective emphasizes the potential of the National Cathedral to become more than just a religious structure. He envisions it as a space that transcends religious divides, serving as a unifying symbol for all Ghanaians. He argues that the project’s potential to boost national pride, enhance Ghana’s international image, and provide a platform for significant national events outweighs the controversies surrounding its funding and execution. He believes that with careful management and transparent accounting, the Cathedral can become a valuable asset for the nation.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the National Cathedral Project reflects a broader discussion about national priorities, the allocation of public resources, and the role of religion in public life. Rev. Boakye Danquah’s intervention contributes a crucial perspective, urging a reconsideration of the project’s potential benefits and advocating for its completion as a symbol of national unity, pride, and cultural heritage. He believes that the Cathedral can become a lasting legacy for future generations, a space where Ghanaians from all walks of life can gather to celebrate their shared identity and aspirations. He calls for a dialogue that moves beyond political divisions and focuses on the long-term benefits of the project for the nation as a whole.
