Ayariga: Mahama, NDC Support National Cathedral, But Location and Funding Must Be Agreed

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga says President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have no objection to Ghana having a National Cathedral.

However, he says there must first be consensus on where the cathedral should be located and how the project should be funded.

Mr Ayariga made the remarks when the Christian Council of Ghana paid a courtesy call on him.

He urged leaders of the various Christian denominations including the Catholic Church, Protestant denominations and other Christian organisations to come together and agree on a common position before engaging President Mahama.

According to him, discussions should focus particularly on the cost, location and financing structure of the project.

“The President does not think there is anything wrong with the country having a national cathedral.”

He explained that the NDC’s concerns have centred on the project’s location and funding arrangements rather than the idea of establishing a National Cathedral.

Mr Ayariga expressed confidence that a united Christian community in Ghana and abroad could mobilise the resources needed to construct the project.

He cited the National Mosque as an example of how religious unity and international partnerships could help finance major national religious projects.

The Minister therefore appealed to Christian leaders to put aside their differences and develop a united and broadly accepted proposal before presenting it to President Mahama for further direction.