The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, has ridiculed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal for a national dialogue to determine the fate of the stalled National Cathedral project, labeling it an amusing attempt to revive a failed initiative.
According to Mustapha Gbande, the National Cathedral issue has surpassed the point of discussion and debate, as Ghanaians have already accepted the concept but rejected its prioritization due to unfavorable timing and circumstances, making it a misplaced priority.
“Many also expressed concern over the location of the National Cathedral where we are going to demolish a lot of structures to build the National Cathedral. Eventually, some of them [the structures] are in judgment debt as we speak. Now the business of the National Cathedral today is a scandal supervised by the President and the Vice President”.
Mustapha Gbande
Furthermore, he pointed out that both the President and the Vice President were fully aware of the potential financial hurdles the National Cathedral project would face, yet they chose to proceed with its construction, despite these economic concerns.
As such, Gbande pointed out that the project’s current quagmire has led to the resignation of some clergy members from the National Cathedral Board, underscoring that the Cathedral’s fate is no longer a subject for debate or consultation, but a pressing issue requiring decisive action.
“It is a criminal transaction, they have squandered and chopped money in the name of God”. – Mustapha Gbande
Moreover, Gbande emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the financial irregularities surrounding the National Cathedral project.
He insisted that those responsible for embezzling and misusing funds for personal enrichment must be held accountable and brought to justice through prosecution and arrest.
Gbande, however, acknowledged that constructing a place of worship in a predominantly Christian society is inherently worthwhile, but emphasized that the project’s legitimacy hinges on a thorough investigation, which is essential to move forward. “No one is against a government doing something for God”, he added.
NPP Counters Cathedral Criticism
However, Richard Ahiagbah, the National Director of Communication for the ruling New Patriotic Party, countered Gbande’s claims, asserting that the National Cathedral project remains in the consultation phase and has not reached a point of crisis or scandal.
As such, he clarified that the National Cathedral project is an ongoing initiative that welcomes continuous feedback, input, and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing its dynamic and inclusive nature.
Additionally, Ahiagbah emphasized that the National Cathedral is a necessary project, serving not only as a place of worship for Christians but also as a venue for national events, stressing that it will be a multifaceted complex worthy of investment, benefiting the nation as a whole.
“The Vice President’s call for a dialogue is a result of how intractable the project has become. The original perception was that it was going to be a private fund-raising-driven effort to build it. But somehow, there had to be some support from the government beyond the giving of land. This is all in a spirit to ensure that we build a monument”.
Richard Ahiagbah
Furthermore, Ahiagbah praised the Vice President’s call for dialogue, highlighting that democracy thrives on public engagement and participation in matters of national significance.
As such, he indicated that by involving citizens in the decision-making process, the country can tap into collective wisdom to find the most suitable solution for the National Cathedral project.
“I think that the Vice President’s call is in the right direction, it is a legacy he is inheriting”. – Richard Ahiagbah
The NPP Communicator emphasized that the National Cathedral project is a collaborative effort, open to input and engagement from all Ghanaians. “I think we can move forward quicker and we all build that monument”, he added.
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