National Cathedral: I’ll continue inherited policies only in people’s interest-President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to continuing projects and policies inherited from previous administrations, provided they are in the interest of the Ghanaian people.
He, however, explained that the National Cathedral project is an exception because, in his view, it was not a national policy but a personal pledge made by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
President Mahama made the remarks during a community engagement in Wa on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.
“I made a commitment that every project and policy I inherited would continue, provided it served the national interest,” President Mahama said.
He noted that his administration had largely honoured that commitment by continuing almost every project inherited from the previous government.
“The exception is the National Cathedral, because it was not a national policy but a personal pledge made by the former President,” he explained.
President Mahama stressed that his position should not be interpreted as opposition to the construction of a National Cathedral.
“Let me clarify that I have nothing against the construction of a National Cathedral,” he said.
His concerns, he explained, relate particularly to the location of the project, the demolition of public and other properties to make way for it, and the use of taxpayers’ money to finance its construction.
According to him, several properties, including judges’ residences, diplomatic properties, the old Passport Office and other public buildings, were demolished to clear the site for the project.
“I believe Christians in Ghana, together with development partners, should be able to finance such a project voluntarily rather than through public funds,” he said.
The President cited the National Mosque as an example, noting that it was constructed with support from a Turkish Muslim organisation rather than through direct government financing.
National Cathedral audit
President Mahama also disclosed that a forensic audit into expenditure on the National Cathedral project has been completed.
He said the audit covered almost US$90 million spent on the project and that the report is currently with the Attorney General.
“The report is with the Attorney General, and I will make it available to the Christian Council for transparency and any necessary corrective action,” he stated.
President Mahama further reminded Ghanaians that the Constitution contains provisions requiring successive governments to continue beneficial national policies and programmes.
He maintained, however, that continuity in governance must be guided by the national interest and responsible leadership.
“Ultimately, however, continuity also depends on leadership and the willingness of leaders to respect both the Constitution and the national interest,” President Mahama said.
