NDC MPs commission uncompleted National Cathedral

In an unprecedented move, MPs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, staged a symbolic commissioning of the uncompleted National Cathedral on March 6, 2024.

This act was designed to spotlight the government’s inability to finish the controversial project, which has been marred by delays and financial concerns.

The event, intended as a critique of the government’s priorities and project management, saw a group of Minority MPs attempting to access the construction site.

Their efforts were initially thwarted by military and police forces, underscoring the tension surrounding the project.

Despite these obstacles, the MPs, alongside media personnel, proceeded with their plans, delivering a pointed statement at the perimeter of the site.

Okudzeto Ablakwa, known for his vocal criticisms of the government, seized the moment to demand answers and accountability from President Akufo-Addo.

He questioned the fate of the substantial funds allocated to the cathedral, totaling US$58,141,509.52 (GHS 740 million), which have so far yielded what he referred to as “the world’s most expensive pit.”

The abandonment of the project by contractors RIBADE JV two years prior, due to non-payment, was highlighted as a critical concern.

Ablakwa’s demands extended beyond financial transparency. He called for a comprehensive report detailing the costs associated with the replacement and compensation for demolished properties to make way for the cathedral.

This includes a tally of outstanding payments, especially given that some affected property owners have taken their grievances to court.

The list of demolished sites provided by Ablakwa paints a picture of widespread disruption, including facilities for judges, the Passport Head Office, and the Malian Ambassador’s Residence, among others.

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In his address, Ablakwa advocated for the termination of the cathedral project contract to prevent further financial drain on the state.

He underscored the potential financial implications, such as Extension of Time Claims and Abortive & Re-Works Cost, which could exacerbate the project’s cost overruns.

Additionally, he called for the dissolution of the Board of Trustees and the closure of the National Cathedral Secretariat, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and better management of state resources.

The symbolic commissioning by the NDC MPs stands as a critique of not just the National Cathedral project but of the broader issues of governance, transparency, and priority-setting by the current administration.

As the debate over the cathedral continues, the demands for accountability and a reevaluation of the project’s future remain at the forefront of national discourse.

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