President John Dramani Mahama has hinted at significant changes to the controversial National Cathedral project, including a potential relocation of its site and a review of its cost.
Speaking at the National Prayers and Thanksgiving Service held in Accra yesterday, the President underscored the need for a transparent and fiscally responsible approach to the project, amid Ghana’s economic challenges.
“The current circumstances make it unreasonable to pursue such a project at a whopping cost of $400 million,” President Mahama stated.
“I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, which serves all Christian denominations was built at a cost of $30 million. I believe we can achieve this project at a more reasonable figure, without recourse to public funds. Such reconsideration might even include changing the current site chosen for the project.”
The President also confirmed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has directed the government to investigate concerns surrounding the project.
He pledged to act on this directive, saying “We will soon activate this investigation. Moving forward, we must build consensus on how to achieve such a project as Christians, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
President Mahama reiterated his commitment to transparent governance, emphasising the importance of ethical leadership in his administration.
“Those appointed to public office will be held to the highest ethical and professional standards. For those sending CVs, know that it’s not going to be business as usual,” he cautioned.
He further pledged to lead a government focused on justice, transparency and anti-corruption measures, emphasising the need to rebuild public trust.
National Priorities: Health, Education and Employment
In his address, the President outlined his administration’s priorities including healthcare, education and job creation.
President Mahama announced plans to complete uncompleted health facilities and operationalise them.
He also revealed a proposal to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy to ensure sufficient funds for health service providers.
The President promised to convene a national review conference to address challenges in the education sector.
He highlighted plans to allocate food supplies to secondary schools to address ongoing shortages, using emergency stockpiles imported during last year’s drought.
To tackle unemployment, he committed to investing in entrepreneurship, vocational training and agricultural value chain development.
Gratitude and Unity
President Mahama thanked the Christian community for their prayers and fasting, calling the recent political victory “a manifestation of the will of God.”
He emphasised unity, saying “I am a president for all of you, regardless of your political, ethnic or religious affiliation. This is a moment for unity.”
He also acknowledged the church’s role in promoting peace and stability in Ghana, urging citizens to work together in faith and hope to overcome challenges.
The post Mahama Drops Major Hint: National Cathedral To Be Relocated If… appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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