Govt imports stone from Jerusalem to sanctify National Cathedral foundation

A Stone has been imported from Jerusalem to lay a foundation for the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral.

Israel's Ambassador to Ghana, Shani Cooper presented the stone to President Akufo-Addo at the sod-cutting ceremony to pave way for the actual work which is expected to begin on Friday, March 6, 2020, in the heart of Accra.

The stone, according to her, will symbolize the sacredness of the land earmarked for the project as Christians regard Jerusalem to be the most sacred site in the world.

She added that Isreal's involvement in the construction of the Ghana National Cathedral will strengthen ties between the two countries.

The interdenominational Christian Cathedral, when completed, will have a 5,000 seating capacity with chapels, a baptistery, a music school, an art gallery, and a Bible museum.

It will also serve as a venue for formal state occasions of religious nature such as state funerals, thanksgiving services among others, according to President Akufo-Addo.

"...since gaining our freedom from the colonial power sixty-three years ago on the 6th of March 1957, Ghana has so far been speared civil war, famine, and epidemics, said the president.

“We are certainly no better than the other nations in our neighborhood who have been confronted with these challenges. I believe it is by the grace of God that we have been preserved and sustained. The construction of the Cathedral will be an act of thanksgiving to the Almighty for His Blessings, Grace, Favour and Mercies on our nation," he added.