The controversy surrounding Ghana’s National Cathedral Project has deepened with the vocal intervention of Reverend Anthony Kwarteng, General Overseer of the Christ Power Miracle Mission Church. Rev. Kwarteng has launched a scathing attack on the clergymen who supported the project under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, demanding a public apology and declaring them “cursed” for their involvement in what he terms a deceptive scheme. He alleges that the project, presented as a divinely inspired initiative, was in fact a malicious ploy to misappropriate state funds, labeling the unfinished structure an “uncompleted shrine.” This accusation throws into sharp relief the ongoing debate over the project’s legitimacy and the propriety of using public resources for its construction.
Rev. Kwarteng’s condemnation centers on the perceived hypocrisy of the pastors who championed the project, whom he disparagingly refers to as “white-collar pastors” employing sophisticated language to mislead the public. He questions their genuine commitment to the project by highlighting the lack of substantial personal contributions from these clergymen, contrasting it with former President Akufo-Addo’s campaign promise to fund the cathedral’s construction. This raises concerns about the true source of the project’s funding, with Rev. Kwarteng insinuating that state resources were diverted under the pretense of fulfilling a political pledge, rather than through genuine philanthropic efforts.
The Reverend’s pronouncements introduce a theological dimension to the debate. He argues that the project’s stalled progress, despite eight years of effort, signifies divine displeasure and potential retribution against those involved. This assertion links the project’s physical incompleteness to a spiritual failing, implying that the alleged misuse of funds has incurred God’s wrath. He further underscores the ongoing government investigations into the project’s finances, casting doubt on the sincerity and integrity of those responsible for its management. His framing of the issue within a religious context adds a layer of complexity to the already contentious public discourse.
Rev. Kwarteng’s characterization of the National Cathedral Project as a “Mafia” operation designed to siphon public funds further escalates the controversy. This accusation directly implicates the project’s leadership in fraudulent activities, suggesting a deliberate scheme to exploit public resources for personal gain. The term “Mafia” evokes images of organized crime and corruption, painting a stark picture of the alleged malfeasance surrounding the project. This strong language is likely to provoke further debate and scrutiny of the project’s financial dealings.
The Reverend’s outspoken criticism extends to former President Akufo-Addo, whose administration spearheaded the project. By questioning the former president’s financial commitment and highlighting the project’s incomplete state, Rev. Kwarteng implicitly accuses him of misleading the public and mismanaging public funds. He contrasts the grand vision of the cathedral with its current unfinished state, presenting it as a symbol of broken promises and potential corruption. This direct challenge to the former president and his legacy adds a political dimension to the religious and financial aspects of the controversy.
Rev. Kwarteng’s emphatic call for accountability and transparency resonates with the broader concerns surrounding the project’s financing and management. His demand for a public apology from the involved pastors, coupled with his claims of divine retribution, adds a powerful moral dimension to the debate. His endorsement of President Mahama’s commitment to investigating the project’s expenditure further legitimizes the ongoing scrutiny and signals a potential shift in the political landscape surrounding the issue. His pronouncements are likely to intensify public discussion and pressure for a thorough and transparent investigation into the National Cathedral Project’s financial dealings, potentially impacting the future of the project itself.
