The Executive Director of the National Cathedral, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, says the national cathedral can no longer be classified as a private project.

According to Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, the national cathedral project is currently a state-owned project as it has now been incorporated under Ghana's Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179).

The project was incorporated under Ghana's Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) on Thursday, July 18, 2019.

He made the revelation in a press statement dated Friday, June 17.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the National Cathedral is a National Monument, and thus public, not private, project. Legally, the National Cathedral of Ghana is a state-owned company limited by guarantee and was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) on July 18, 2019.

"We hope this brings to a closure the seemingly vexatious issue of whether the National Cathedral is a private or public initiative. The National Cathedral is a National Monument and Asset, and not a Private project."

The Executive Director, however, stated that the project is being developed in partnership between the state and the church.

Earlier, President Akufo-Addo stated that the national cathedral was a private project he was undertaking in fulfilment of a promise he made to God Almighty while in opposition.

Recent revelations by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that state funds have been used by the current government to construct the cathedral.

Mr Ablakwa stated that close to GH¢200 million from state coffers has been spent by the government.

But Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah explained that Ghana will in the long run benefit from the project therefore the need to have it as a state facility despite it serving as "gesture of thanksgiving, symbol of the Christian presence and contributions to the nation, and a personal pledge to God."

He indicated that the project presents a model that would help in managing the country's monuments.

"The Cathedral and Museum will also serve as a convening platform for National, African, and Global conversations on the role of faith and national transformation. The addition of an economic engine to this national monument consisting of multiple revenue sources, including multipurpose rental spaces, 1000+ seater banquet hall. A 350-seater restaurant Cafe, shop, theaters, conference hall, etc, introduces a sustainable model for managing our national monuments."

Source: The Independent Ghana