The Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), a non-partisan civil organization, has called on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take the lead in privately raising funds to complete the National Cathedral project.

In a statement released on April 9, 2025, CenPOA emphasized that the former president’s commitment to the project should not waver simply because his tenure has ended.

The group encouraged him to use his influence and connections to fulfill his vision without relying on public funds.

“We encourage former President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his vow to God using private means. With his tenure now concluded, he has the opportunity and time to mobilize private support to complete the project, in line with his original intent,” the statement read.

CenPOA’s appeal follows recent remarks by Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, regarding the stalled National Cathedral project.

The organization warned that any attempt by the current government to revive the project using public funds would be seen as a betrayal of public trust and a breach of political integrity.

The group also highlighted the importance of respecting the wishes of Ghanaians, urging the government to avoid burdening taxpayers with the cost of the project.

CenPOA’s statement underscores the need for private initiative and accountability in completing the National Cathedral.

Read statement below:

CenPOA to Government: Proceed with National Cathedral Project at Your Own Risk

The Center for Public Opinion & Awareness (CenPOA) has noted with deep concern recent comments made by Honorable Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, regarding the possible continuation of the controversial National Cathedral project.

Hon. Ibrahim indicated that the government is considering resuming the project, subject to consultations he is currently undertaking with the National Cathedral Board.

CenPOA strongly believes that any attempt to reintroduce government involvement or allocate public funds to the National Cathedral would constitute political dishonesty and a serious betrayal of the trust placed in the government by Ghanaians.

The National Cathedral was originally a personal religious vow made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who, despite serving a full eight-year term, was unable to complete it—after reportedly spending $58 million of state resources.

It is worth noting that the project became a major point of political contention during the 2024 elections.

The now-ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) explicitly opposed the project, vowing to repurpose it into a 500-unit children’s hospital and fertility center. This was publicly communicated in a Facebook post by Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, then Director of Elections and IT for the NDC.

In light of this, CenPOA finds the Minister’s recent remarks inconsistent with the NDC’s stated position and urges the government to stay true to its commitment to reset Ghana’s priorities. Many Ghanaians voted for this administration on the understanding that public funds would no longer be wasted on nonessential projects like the National Cathedral, particularly at the expense of critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and job creation.

If Hon. Ibrahim’s remarks were intended as his personal opinion, we wish to respectfully remind him that, in his capacity as a Minister, he must refrain from imposing personal religious beliefs on matters of governance and public administration. Blurring the lines between religion and state affairs could have serious consequences for his political career and the credibility of the NDC government.

Finally, we encourage former President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his vow to God using private means. With his tenure now concluded, he has the opportunity and time to mobilize private support to complete the project, in line with his original intent.