
Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the prioritization of the construction of a national cathedral over crucial educational and infrastructural needs in Ghana.
He expressed doubt over the decision, suggesting that even God would prioritize investments in education over a cathedral. Mahama emphasized the importance of addressing pressing educational and infrastructural challenges before embarking on projects like the national cathedral.
During a public lecture at Wisconsin University, Mahama clarified that the commitment to build the cathedral stemmed from a personal promise made by President Akufo-Addo to God, rather than a divine directive.
He argued that allocating $400 million towards textbooks for students or upgrading vital infrastructure such as the single road from Accra to Cape Coast to a dual carriageway would likely yield greater benefits for the nation.
“For me, the national cathedral was a covenant somebody made with God, an individual. He said he swore to God that if he became president, he would build a cathedral for him. From my perspective, it is his promise to build a house for God.
“I am sure that if he really had asked God what he wanted him to do with $400 million; I don’t think God would have chosen a cathedral when $400 million could have provided textbooks for all our students. I don’t think God would have asked you for a cathedral when we could have used the money to dualise the road from Accra to Cape Coast. People die every day on that road because it’s a single road.
“So, God didn’t ask for it, somebody promised it to God, it was a personal promise and if I have $400 million God will be angry with me if I use it to build that cathedral. I am not going to take taxpayers’ money or borrow $400 million from any source to build this cathedral,” he said.