Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga has pledged to explore ways of mobilising funds for the construction of the National Cathedral should he be approved by Parliament and the project receives the backing of the Christian community and President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Ayariga made the commitment when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, August 27.
He said although he had reservations about how the project was executed in the past, he supported the underlying idea of having a national cathedral for Ghana’s Christian community.
“I want to assure this House that if I am approved, I will engage the leadership of the Christian Community and if they want to still have it, I will engage with the President and if it is his wish, I will mobilise funds its construction,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said Ghana’s deeply religious character made the provision of worship centres an important part of national life, citing churches, mosques and other religious facilities.
He maintained that there was therefore no fundamental problem with the concept of a National Cathedral.
He stressed, however, that he had concerns about the implementation of the project, including its siting.
He said any decision on its future would require engagement with the Christian community and the President before steps are taken to pursue its completion.