Sam George, the Member of Parliament representing the Ningo-Prampram constituency, has vocally criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the substantial $54 million investment in the halted National Cathedral project. His condemnation came during an interview on Channel One TV’s “Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu” on October 1, where he accused the President of misleading the Ghanaian populace. George claims that Akufo-Addo presented the cathedral initiative as a personal promise to God, failing to clarify that state resources would be utilized for its construction. This lack of transparency has led George to question the ethics behind the project, as he believes it has manipulated the name of God amidst allegations of corruption.
According to Sam George, the association of the National Cathedral project with corruption severely detracts from its original aim and taints the President’s purported commitment to divine service. He strongly criticized the notion that state money would be diverted for religious purposes, stating that such actions undermine public trust and national resources. George articulated his disillusionment by remarking that if an atheist or anyone indifferent to faith witnessed the huge expenditures and lack of progress represented by a mere construction hole, it could further promote skepticism regarding the existence or caring nature of God. He expressed that the perceived mismanagement and controversy surrounding the cathedral tarnish its intended value and message.
The concerns voiced by George are compounded by the national expenditure seemingly lacking tangible outcomes. The Ministerial reports note that over the past seven years, Ghana’s taxpayers have contributed approximately $58 million to the cathedral project, which, by August 2024, has yet to show the anticipated advancements. Moreover, the project’s total completion budget is estimated at around $450 million, raising significant doubts about whether the requisite funding will eventually be amassed, leaving citizens uneasy about the potential financial misallocation.
In a recent statement on September 24, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, the chairman of the board overseeing the National Cathedral project, offered hope amidst the concerns by announcing the resumption of construction. This declaration was made following a meeting between the Board of Directors and Deloitte auditors, who completed an audit report that cleared barriers for the project’s continuation. However, this optimism is met with skepticism, as taxpayers remain concerned about the rationale for utilizing public funds for what some perceive as a personal vow from the President.
Additionally, while various church denominations have collectively raised GH¢2.21 million (around $164,000) in the project’s support by mid-2022, these contributions fall significantly short of meeting the cathedral’s remaining financial obligations. This shortfall adds to the growing uncertainty and dissatisfaction among citizens regarding the proper management of state resources linked to the cathedral project, further indicative of potential miscommunication surrounding the funding narrative.
In summary, Sam George’s criticism of President Akufo-Addo highlights a broader discontent regarding the National Cathedral project, punctuated by its controversial funding sources and the alleged corruption associated with it. As the project is set to revive construction, significant questions about financing, transparency, and ethical stewardship remain at the forefront, drawing public scrutiny against the backdrop of a torn relationship between faith, government obligation, and fiscal responsibility in Ghana’s socio-political landscape.
