Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, has urged President John Mahama to address the issue of the National Cathedral, which he referred to as an “expensive hole.”
He suggested that the end-of-service benefits of former President Akufo-Addo be used to help cover part of the costs and that those responsible should be held accountable for causing financial loss to the state.
Gyampo noted that while Mahama’s recent speech at a ceremony at UPSA has sparked some debate, there is no need for a national discussion on whether to continue the project or not.
“Dear President Mahama Please, did you promise God that you would build a National Cathedral for Him, should you be elected again as President? Are you the Son of Mr. Akufo Addo, like Solomon, the son of David who built a temple for God when his father wasn’t permitted to do so?
“Is the construction of a National Cathedral a priority concern for national development at this time when many have been impoverished because of greed, loot, and unprecedented bad governance by your predecessor?”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
In an open letter to President Mahama, Prof. Ransford Gyampo reminded him that the overwhelming mandate granted by the people reflects their recognition of the futility of an unprioritized project initiated by former President Akufo-Addo, based on his personal conversations with God—a moment that excluded the rest of Ghanaians.
Gyampo emphasized that it should not be forgotten that Akufo-Addo promised not to use public funds for the project, only to later break this promise in a deceptive manner.
He remarked that President Mahama was not elected to fulfill Akufo-Addo’s personal promise to his maker.
He emphasized that the President did not make that vow, nor is he Akufo-Addo’s successor in this matter, adding that God has not instructed John Mahama to carry on with the project. “If He tells you, we will hear”.
Accordingly, Gyampo asserted that President Mahama should not entertain any discussion about continuing the project, relocating it, or seeking alternative funding for it.
He emphasized that if funds are to be sourced, they should be directed toward projects that address the immediate needs of Ghanaians and justify the immense trust they have placed in him.
Mahama Urged to Restructure Free SHS, Address State Land Mismanagement
Additionally, Prof. Ransford Gyampo emphasized the urgency of meeting the high expectations, urging President Mahama to promptly restructure the free SHS program.
He noted that with Heads of Assisted Schools now able to speak openly without fear of dismissal or transfer, this is the ideal time to address the necessary reforms.
“Also, let all looters of state money, lands, property, etc be dealt with swiftly, and in accordance with the law beyond your letter and instructions to the Lands Commission to halt all sale of state lands and provide you with a report of the state of affairs on state lands.
“Please let all disrespectful officials at Lands Commission who are flouting orders given them; disrespectful bulldozer operators who are still demolishing state buildings; and all stubborn building contractors who are building on looted state lands nocturnally, be dealt with ruthlessly according to law, to deter future disrespect of the power and authority of your Presidency. Then let all other things follow in accordance with how urgent they are”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
The Political Scientist reiterated his warning, urging the President to refrain from considering any plans for a national cathedral at this time.
He expressed support for the Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter Six of the 1992 Constitution, which encourages successor governments to continue developmental projects initiated by their predecessors.
However, Gyampo emphasized that these principles were never intended to include fulfilling personal promises made by presidential aspirants to their maker.
Therefore, he advised that the President’s only focus regarding the National Cathedral should be on covering the costly excavation using Mr. Akufo-Addo’s end-of-service benefits.
Gyampo also urged Mahama to hold accountable those responsible for causing financial loss to the state. “I thank you and I wish you well as you govern to leave a positive legacy for Ghanaians and for yourself. God bless”.
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