Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, has emphasized that the National Cathedral should be perceived as a catalyst for economic growth.
He stressed that discussions surrounding the cathedral’s construction should center on its potential to expedite the government’s endeavors in advancing Ghana’s tourism sector.
Ofori Atta made these remarks during the Ghana Tourism Investment 2023 event.
“For most people who have not put their minds to it; this whole issue of the national cathedral in my mind is the third layer of this triangle. How do you build a society in which you are clear in defining who you are politically, how do you build a society in which the economic engine is growing and how do you contain that within a spiritual realm that ensures stability for ages to come?
“So that is Ghana, the economic emancipation, the political emancipation, and the spiritual emancipation. Even as we look at something like the cathedral, that has economic benefits and beyond what we see; both Israel and the Hajj realize about USD 6 to 8 billion a year.”
Ken Ofori Atta
He pointed out that in Africa, there are around 600 million Christians, supporting his assertion of a readily available market.
“So imagine Ghana as the New Jerusalem where these 600 million people are passing through”, he stated.
He consequently emphasized that a substantial amount of rational consideration should be applied to the concept as the nation deliberates on it. He highlighted that, in envisioning a society with strong resilience and robust prospects for the future, the cathedral presents a golden opportunity toward that objective. Mr. Ofori Atta also reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the tourism and arts industry, recognizing its potential for developing the country’s economy.
“Similarly, the average spend USD 1800 per tourist that comes into town moved to almost USD 3000 IN 2019. We are looking to push that up. So the Ghanaian economy is going to, with time, significantly depend on tourism sector to provide literally 2 to 3 out of the 10 jobs that will be created going into the future.
“The multiply effect on economic growth is job creation, development, tourism, and should really become a fundamental pillar of the Ghanaian economy for the unforeseeable future. And indeed, we as a government are guided by the vision of placing Ghana among countries in Africa as a country of tourism destination in the next five years to generate at least, USD 5 billion, annually.”
Ken Ofori Atta
He cited countries like Egypt, Kenya and South Africa as pioneers in tourism in Africa that Ghana should look up to.
The Potential Of The National Cathedral To Ghana’s Tourism Industry
While many arguments may make up for why the National Cathedral in Ghana should not be built, the cathedral is poised to become a significant contributor to the country’s burgeoning tourism industry.
As a monumental architectural masterpiece, the cathedral is not merely a religious edifice but a cultural and historical landmark that will attract visitors from around the world, particularly within the sub-region. Its design, inspired by Ghanaian traditional motifs, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
Tourists, whether devout or not, will be drawn to the sheer grandeur and aesthetic appeal of the National Cathedral. The structure’s unique blend of modern and traditional elements, coupled with its symbolic significance, makes it a compelling attraction for cultural enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
With its central location in the heart of Accra, the National Cathedral is positioned to be a focal point for tourism, contributing to the local economy through increased hospitality services, souvenir businesses, and the overall growth of the tourism sector.
Notwithstanding these potentials, citizens cannot overlook the opaqueness and confusion that has engulfed the project since its inception.
Government must strategize on project funding approach and come a bit clearer on its true purpose and intent for the project if Ghana is to become the ‘New Jerusalem’.
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