We should have listened and terminated the National Cathedral project. - Miracle Aboagye

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has said that the government should have stopped the contentious National Cathedral project. He characterized the public outcry to the idea as a "big lesson" for the NPP, which he believes contributed to the party's defeat in the 2024 general elections.

President Akufo-Addo initiated the National Cathedral project in 2018, which has faced significant criticism and requests for accountability over the greater over GH¢225 million spent on its construction.

In an interview with Joy News, Aboagye pondered on the influence of the initiative on the party's prospects, saying:

There is an issue with the National Cathedral. You may be adamant about it, but if the people have punished you, you will learn from it and realize that if you are doing something for the people and they say they don't want it, you should give a national address and say, 'I've been trying to do this thing and the feedback I'm getting is that you don't want it.

He emphasized the significance of excellent communication in such future projects, criticizing the project's management:

Even from the stage of destruction, designating the location, and so on, I do not believe communication was handled properly. When you fall short in this aspect, your detractors can take advantage and control the discourse. For me, the most important conclusion from the National Cathedral is that we enabled people who clearly benefit politically from the consequences to dominate the narrative.

Aboagye noted that the NPP is learning from the experience and attempting to restore public trust before of future elections.

CHRAJ Investigation of the National Cathedral

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has requested an investigation against the Board of Trustees in charge of the National Cathedral Project. In a report dated 22 November 2024 and signed by Commissioner Dr. Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ stated that as of 31 May 2022, over GH¢225 million was spent on the project.

The report noted infractions of the Procurement Act (Act 663) and emphasized the importance of ensuring value for money, noting major public interest. The CHRAJ urged a thorough investigation and potential prosecution of individuals involved.