Mahama Shuts Down National Cathedral Project After Damning Financial Irregularities

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, alongside the closure of its Secretariat, in response to what the government describes as damning findings from a recent audit. The decision marks a major turning point in the life of a project that was once touted as a national symbol of unity and spirituality, but which has become increasingly mired in controversy and questions over its funding and governance.

The closure of the National Cathedral Secretariat, which had been operating from Ghana’s presidential palace—the Jubilee House—was formally executed on 1 May 2025. However, the official announcement was made public on Friday, 18 July, during a press briefing by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. According to Ofosu, the audit revealed serious irregularities in the management and financial practices of the project, which “shake the very foundation of the project and the operations of the Secretariat.”

The National Cathedral project, initiated during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, was intended to be a multi-purpose Christian worship center and a national landmark that would reflect Ghana’s deep religious heritage. It was launched with the support of several high-profile church leaders and public officials, with the expectation that both state funds and private donations would finance the construction. However, over the years, the project has been dogged by public skepticism, delays, cost overruns, and criticism over the use of taxpayer money—especially at a time when the country has faced repeated economic challenges.

One of the more controversial aspects of the cathedral was its governance structure. While the project was heavily promoted as a public-private partnership, many critics argued that it lacked transparency and was shielded from adequate parliamentary oversight. The audit appears to have confirmed some of those concerns, prompting President Mahama’s directive to dissolve the project’s leadership and halt its operations entirely.

Government officials also revealed that the National Cathedral Ghana was legally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, a status often used by non-profit entities. This legal structure, however, has added complexity to the government’s ability to wind down the project completely. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that the Attorney General has been instructed to initiate legal proceedings to facilitate the full dissolution of the company and its associated structures. “We anticipate that this will be carried out in the coming days,” he said.

The move signals a clear break by the current administration from the policies of the previous government, and underscores President Mahama’s stated commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds. Still, questions remain about the financial commitments already made, the future of the partially completed structure, and whether any officials or trustees will face prosecution or be held accountable for the alleged mismanagement.

As legal proceedings begin and political debates intensify, the fate of the National Cathedral may become a central issue in Ghana’s political discourse—symbolizing not only a failed project but also the broader challenge of reconciling national aspirations with institutional integrity.