The Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has defended the construction of the National Cathedral by the current administration led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr Ahiagbah, reacting to the National Democratic Congress Members of Parliament, led by the North Tongu Legislator, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s description of the project as abandoned, argued that the project is a work in progress and an essential national project.
According to the Communications Director of the ruling party, any project of the National Cathedral’s magnitude requires a systematic approach, starting with the excavation of a foundation and progressively building upon it.
He strongly asserted that the current stage of the project is appropriate and should not be misconstrued as wasteful or misplaced.
“I think that for any project of that magnitude to begin, you dig a foundation and you build it out. So, where it is at, it is at the appropriate stage where in time the structure would be put on it. So, for me, I don’t see any real challenge. I don’t see any appearance of waste because necessarily you must dig the pit and build on it”.
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP’s Communications Director
Furthermore, Mr Ahiagbah stressed that the commitment to building the National Cathedral by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is resolute and clear.
He further expressed confidence that in due time, the structure of the National Cathedral will be erected, and the project will be recognized as a noble endeavor for the country.
Calls For Ghanaians To Support The Construction Of the National Cathedral
Mr Ahiagbah also urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to extend their support towards the successful completion of the National Cathedral, emphasizing the importance of the edifice to the spiritual growth and development of the country.
Moreover, Mr Ahiagbah, the Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party urged the general public not to view the National Cathedral project in isolation but rather as part of a broader initiative by the government to enhance the country’s infrastructure.
According to him, what the government needs is adequate and available resources or revenue to ensure the fruitful completion of the National Cathedral.
He also emphasized the need for increased revenue and resources to address various national needs without underestimating the importance of any specific project in the country.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudeto Ablakwa has urged the government to retrieve the payment of some huge sum of monies that, according to him was, wrongfully paid to some individuals involving the construction of the National Cathedral.
The Ranking Member of the Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs particularly bemoaned the payment of US$19.6million, US$ 6 million (GHS76million), and GHS2.6million to David Adjaye, Cary Summers, and Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, the Board Chairman of the National Cathedral Board respectively.
The Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the contractor of the National Cathedral, “RIBADE JV” would not have abandoned the site two years ago if not for the fact that the money meant for him was diverted by the New Patriotic Party’s administration.
The National Democratic Congress lawmaker concluded his statement by emphasizing his commitment and interest in demanding the repayment of the monies he alleged the government wrongfully paid to David Adjaye, Cary Summers, and Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, the Board Chairman of the National Cathedral Board respectively.
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