Mr. Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has offered explanations regarding the halt of the National Cathedral project, shedding light on the challenges that led to its suspension.
The National Cathedral, a project envisioned as a monumental symbol of Ghana’s Christian heritage, has been paused indefinitely.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment and others supporting the government’s decision.
According to MyNewsGH, speaking in an interview on Kingdom FM with Fiifi Pratt, Nana Boakye outlined the factors behind the delay, attributing it primarily to the unforeseen impacts of two major global crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
He explained that these global disruptions strained national resources and forced the government to reevaluate its priorities.
Nana Boakye highlighted the immediate actions taken by the government to mitigate the economic and social hardships caused by the pandemic, such as the provision of free water and electricity to Ghanaians during the crisis.
These measures, he noted, were critical in alleviating the burden on citizens but came at a significant financial cost.
He emphasised that during these turbulent times, the government’s focus shifted towards ensuring the well-being of its people rather than pursuing the cathedral’s construction.
The suspension of the Cathedral project has left many questioning the government’s commitment to completing what was initially presented as a priority national initiative.
Critics have expressed concerns over the use of public funds and the lack of transparency surrounding the project, while supporters argue that the cathedral remains a valuable cultural and religious symbol that should eventually be completed.
Nana Boakye reassured the public that the government remains committed to the project, but its timing would depend on the stabilisation of global and domestic conditions.
He urged citizens to understand the necessity of the decision, emphasising that national survival and recovery from the economic shocks of recent years must take precedence.
Nana Boakye said, The suspension of the National Cathedral project is largely due to unforeseen global challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic affected economies worldwide, including Ghana’s.
“The pandemic required a significant reallocation of resources. Financial resources that were originally set aside for the cathedral were redirected to stabilise the economy and offer relief to Ghanaians in the midst of a crisis.”
