Akufo-Addo's National Cathedral: A legacy never meant to be?

A GhanaWeb feature by George Ayisi

The National Cathedral of Ghana was first conceptualized by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in March 2017 during Ghana's 60th Independence Day celebrations. He described the project not just as a monument but as a testament to his faith and gratitude towards God for his political victories.

The cathedral was to be an interdenominational house of worship, symbolizing unity among Ghana’s predominantly Christian population. It was presented as a fulfillment of a personal vow Akufo-Addo made to God, promising to build a cathedral if elected president after two unsuccessful attempts.

The design, spectacularly crafted by world-renowned architect David Adjaye, included an auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, a Bible museum, and infused with various cultural elements reflective of Ghanaian heritage.

However, what was intended to be a unifying national symbol quickly turned into a hotbed of controversy instead. Critics argued over its funding, with initial assurances that it would be funded by private donations, yet substantial public funds were later disclosed to have been used, sparking accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption.

The costs ballooned from $100 million to a staggering $400 million, while many argued that this money could have helped with urgent needs like healthcare or education, especially in tough economic times.

If completed, the National Cathedral could have been Akufo-Addo's crowning achievement, showcasing his dedication to both his faith and cultural heritage.

It was imagined as more than just a church; it was supposed to be a tourist magnet, a place of unity, and a testament to his personal faith. But, alas, it never got there.

Instead, it became emblematic of his administration's challenges with transparency, economic management, and public perception.



Current state of the National Cathedral site

An Achilles Heel

The cathedral project became a significant political liability for Akufo-Addo. It was criticized for its timing and relevance in a nation grappling with economic recovery and high inflation.

The controversy over funding led to public disillusionment, with serial critics like the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and others questioning the project's integrity and cost-effectiveness.

This backlash painted the cathedral not as a legacy but as a symbol of misplaced priorities and potential graft, overshadowing other things Akufo-Addo and his administration might have wanted to be remembered for.

The Future Under New Leadership

With the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now in power following the 2024 elections, the future of the National Cathedral project remains uncertain. The NDC, through figures like now-President John Mahama and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been vocal about possibly repurposing the site for more immediate national needs such as factories or hospitals, reflecting a shift away from what they view as an unnecessary expenditure.

The once imagined national monument of glamour, now often referred to mockingly as "the world's most expensive pit", might either be abandoned or transformed into something more aligned with public policy priorities.

Akufo-Addo's National Cathedral, meant to be a beacon of his faith and a monument to national unity, instead became a narrative of ambition thwarted by controversy, economic constraints, and political opposition.

It stands as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned legacies can falter when they collide with practical governance, public sentiment, and fiscal responsibility. Whether this monumental project will ever see completion or simply remain a controversial footnote in Ghanaian history, is now in the hands of a new administration.