'You rejected National Cathedral, but want to build museum' - Obiri Boahen blasts Ablakwa

Lawyer and former NPP Deputy General Secretary, Obiri Boahen, has criticised Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over plans by the government to build a modern national museum to house Ghanaian artefacts being returned from abroad.

Ablakwa recently disclosed that the government had made provision in the 2027 budget for the construction of a modern museum because Ghana currently does not have a facility capable of housing the artefacts.

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He said the return of the artefacts also presents an opportunity for Ghana to attract tourists and create jobs.

However, Obiri Boahen, speaking on Okay FM on September 29, 2026, questioned the decision to invest in a museum when, in his view, some hospitals still lack basic medical equipment.

He also referred to Ablakwa’s past opposition to the construction of a National Cathedral under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“Are you now minister for tourism? You rejected building a National Cathedral, but you want to build a modern Museum for returned artifacts,” he said.

Obiri Boahen argued that the government should consider other pressing needs before investing in a new museum.

“Hospitals are lacking basic medical equipment, but you want to build a museum. Weren't you the same Okudzeto Ablakwa who led a campaign to reject the construction of a National Cathedral building? He even went ahead to speak against Akufo-Addo, the NPP, and pastors all because of the Cathedral,” he stated.

He also questioned whether Ablakwa had the mandate of the various traditional groups whose artefacts are being returned to Ghana to decide how they should be preserved.

“Did Ahanta’s, Asante’s, and Akwamu’s delegate you to be the one who goes in search of their missing artifacts?” he asked.

Obiri Boahen further argued that the various ethnic groups may want their artefacts preserved separately rather than having all of them kept in one national museum.

“Let me put it on record that no tribe will allow for their artifacts to be all kept in one place in the name of a museum because each tribe is proud of their artifacts and they prefer safeguarding it themselves,” he said.

It will be recalled that Ablakwa disclosed the planned museum while speaking on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York about the government’s reparative justice efforts and plans to use Ghana’s heritage to promote tourism.

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“That is why in our 2027 budget, which we presented, we have made provision for the establishment of a museum. Ghana doesn't have a modern museum,” Ablakwa said.

“These are also tremendous opportunities for us to mobilise resources from tourists. There are many people who want to come and see these artefacts that were looted centuries ago. That is an economic opportunity. These museums are going to create jobs, from construction to when they are completed and those who will work in these museums,” he added.

MAG/VPO

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