Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon has expressed deep concerns over the failure of President Akufo-Addo to complete the National Cathedral Project.
The renowned political scientist in a scathing critique raised serious questions about the allocation and utilization of state funds earmarked for the project by the governing New Patriotic Party administration.
He chastised President Akufo-Addo and the former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta for allocating state funds to the construction of the project despite President Akufo-Addo’s initial pledge that the project would be devoid of state funding.
“Yesterday, I drove to the site for the construction of the national cathedral to see things for myself. I had gotten the information that, no work was being done and doubted how this could be true, given the huge sums of money spent on the project. Truly, there was no work ongoing and the place looked abandoned”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo
Furthermore, the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana Chapter at the University of Ghana, Professor Van Gyampo lamented over what he describes as the apparent deception perpetrated on the Ghanaian people.
He also described President Akufo-Addo’s assurances that no state funds would be allocated for the construction of the National Cathedral project as nothing short of a falsehood.
Professor Gyampo attributed the abandonment of the project despite the incumbent government allocating significant state funds to the project to mismanagement.
Culture of Blind Political Allegiance
Moreover, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo expressed deep regret over what he considers the prevailing culture of blind allegiance to political figures in the country by some members and supporters of political parties, even in the face of “blatant wrongdoing”.
He criticized the notion that Ghanaians should unquestioningly support President Akufo Addo, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in governance.
The academician further underscored the broader implications of what he perceived as the mismanagement of the country on Ghanaians.
Drawing attention to the importance of the upcoming 2024 general elections, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo posited that the outcome of the polls would test the objectivity and honesty of all Ghanaians.
He cautioned against the corrosive effects of excessive partisanship, which he noted threaten to plunge the country into a state of collective insanity.
“No doubt we’ve got the guts to still talk about breaking the eight even when we cannot keep Ghana switched on. The outcome of the 2024 elections would be a key determinant about the extent to which we must take our mental health seriously. We may either be a very sane people or may have allowed excessive partisanship to render us insane”
Professor Ransford Van Gymapo
The Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon concluded his remarks by questioning whether the current government expects its successor to complete the “abandoned project”.
He called for accountability and demanded answers regarding the monumental financial losses incurred by the state in the construction of the National Cathedral by the governing New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo’s criticism against the ruling New Patriotic Party administration over the National Cathedral Project comes following years of accusations of perceived corruption and mismanagement regarding the project by the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The construction of the National Cathedral in the country has stirred a lot of controversies since its commencement.
While the ruling government view it as a symbol of national pride and unity, the opposition National Democratic Congress and other civil society organizations in the country have questioned the use of public funds for a religious project in a secular state.
Criticism has also arisen regarding the displacement of residents and the demolition of historical landmarks to make way for the cathedral.
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