President John Mahama says the stalled National Cathedral project can be completed without putting the cost on Ghanaian taxpayers.
He believes the Christian community itself can raise enough money to finance the project, suggesting that a contribution of GH¢1,000 from each Christian in Ghana could provide the resources needed.
Speaking during a citizens’ engagement in the Upper West Region, Mr Mahama said he was not opposed to the idea of having a National Cathedral. His objection, he explained, was to using public funds for its construction.
“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 said Christian organisations should instead mobilise the funds needed to complete the project.
“My second problem was that we shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money,” he added.
The President also questioned the decision to locate the cathedral in an area of Accra already occupied by several major public facilities.
He mentioned Parliament, the International Conference Centre, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the National Theatre, arguing that adding another major structure to the area could create congestion during large national events.
“My principle has always been that the location has been a problem,” he said.
“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 added.
Mr Mahama further pointed to the properties that were demolished to clear the site, including the residences of 10 judges, the home of the Malian Ambassador and the old passport office.
“My problem was also that the amount of destruction we had to cause to clear the area; broke 10 judges’ residences.
“We broke the Malian Ambassador’s residence. Up to now, we’ve not replaced it. And several other properties, the old passport office, all of them were demolished to make way for a national cathedral,” he said.
He stressed that his concerns should not be taken to mean he is against the construction of the facility.
“I am a Christian myself. I have nothing against having a national cathedral,” he said.
Mr Mahama also disclosed that a forensic audit into the project has been completed and is currently with the Attorney General.
He said the Christian Council of Ghana would receive a copy of the report so it could examine how almost $90 million was spent and determine whether any corrective measures were required.
“The forensic audit is ready; it’s with the Attorney General, and I’ll make a copy of it available to the Christian Council so that they can look at the processes of what went into the expenditure of the 90 million dollars, so that if there’s any corrective action, we can take it together,” he said.
The comments come days after the Christian Council announced the formation of a technical committee to find a way forward for the project.
The committee, announced on September 11, brings together representatives of different Christian groupings and has been given one month to propose a funding arrangement, as well as make recommendations on the location and other unresolved matters surrounding the cathedral.
Mr Mahama maintained that the National Cathedral is different from other projects inherited from previous governments which his administration has indicated it would continue where they serve the public interest.
According to him, the cathedral was based on a personal commitment made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo and was not a government policy.
Mahama and the Church
President John Mahama is a member of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, and has maintained a close relationship with the denomination over the years. In August 2025, he and First Lady Lordina Mahama sponsored the construction of 10 legacy temples for Assemblies of God, Ghana. Each temple included a furnished two-bedroom residence for the pastor, an office, musical equipment and 150 chairs.
They also refurbished an additional Assemblies of God temple in Bole, Mr Mahama’s hometown.
In August 2026, the Assemblies of God leadership again publicly acknowledged the President’s support for the church.
The General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, presented Mr Mahama and the First Lady with an award recognising their sponsorship of the 10 legacy temples.
The National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is a major Christian worship and conference project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Launched in 2018, it was conceived as a national interdenominational cathedral that would provide a space for Christian worship, religious events, conferences and other national activities. The project is located on a prime site in central Accra, close to Parliament and the Supreme Court.
The project has, however, attracted significant controversy over its funding, cost, construction progress and the use of public resources. It has also sparked debate over the role of religion in Ghana’s secular state and whether government funds should be committed to a Christian place of worship.
