Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t fund National Cathedral; Christians can contribute towards it – Mahama

President John Mahama has reiterated that taxpayers’ money should not be used to fund the construction of a National Cathedral, arguing that Christians in Ghana should be able to mobilise the resources needed for the project. He also maintained that the location of the National Cathedral was problematic, citing the concentration of major public facilities in the area and the demolition of several properties to make way for the project. Speaking at a citizens’ engagement during his tour of the Upper West Region, he said that although he has nothing against the construction of a National Cathedral, he believes the project should not be financed with taxpayers’ money. “My second problem was that we shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money. ” He said the Christian community, through its various groups, should be capable of raising funds for the construction of the facility.

“I mean, how many Christians are in this country? If we all pay 1,000 cedis each, we should be able to construct a national cathedral,” he said. He also raised concerns about the location of the National Cathedral, saying the area already hosts several major public institutions and facilities. “My principle has always been that the location has been a problem,” President Mahama said. He mentioned Parliament, the International Conference Centre, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the National Theatre as some of the major facilities located within the area. “So normally during ceremonies, you have the stadium not far, and that’s the way we used to go to Black Star Square. So if you go and put this major thing there again, it will constrict that whole area,” he said. President Mahama further criticised the demolition of properties to make way for the project, including judges’ residences, the residence of the…