The nominee for Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer has pledged his commitment to advocating for funding to ensure the completion of the National Cathedral project in Ghana.

He made this statement during his appearance before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Mr. Mercer, who previously served as Deputy Energy Minister before being reassigned in President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial shake-up, emphasized the importance of completing the National Cathedral.

He expressed concern over the current state of the project, sarcastically dubbed 'the world's most expensive hole' by critics, stressing the need for it to be finished as it is a national asset.

During his vetting, Mr. Mercer addressed the issue of resource allocation, acknowledging that resources are not unlimited but affirming his belief that funding should be prioritised for the completion of the National Cathedral. He indicated his willingness to request parliament to consider and approve a budget specifically for this purpose.

"It is our national asset that is in that state. It has to be completed, to my mind. So if you want a definitive answer that if I have the opportunity to request parliament to consider and approve a budget for the completion of the National Cathedral, then yes," Mr. Mercer stated during his vetting.

The National Cathedral project, initiated by the government, has been a subject of debate and controversy due to its cost and use of state resources.

In December 2023, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta suggested a reevaluation of discussions on the National Cathedral's construction, emphasising its potential to drive economic growth.

Speaking at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, he said the edifice was a strategic investment to boost the nation’s tourism sector.

• Read also: National Cathedral project not suspended – Dr Opoku-Mensah

He explained that the cathedral could easily become a pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians across Africa, attracting visitors who could spend an average of $3,000 each.

This, he believed, could result in substantial economic benefits for Ghana.

“As we look at something like the Cathedral that has economic benefits beyond what we see…In Africa, we have some 600 million people who are Christians so imagine Ghana as the new Jerusalem and these 600 million people floating through with $3,000 to spend, it is a very different reality.”

Ofori-Atta urged a more constructive approach to the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the cathedral project.

He suggested that the government carefully consider the cathedral’s potential contribution to Ghana's economic development.

"Even as we contend with it and fight about it, let's think of this triangle and find a reason why we should also add that as part of the infrastructure base as we build a society with a strong, resilient, and robust future," he urged.

In November 1 last year, religious statues were said to have arrived at the harbor to be erected at the National Cathedral as part of its construction.

This was announced by the project's Executive Director, Paul Opoku Mensah.

He said this during a meeting with political parties outside parliament.

Mr. Opoku Mensah expressed his enthusiasm for the project's progress, emphasizing that the National Cathedral is on its way to becoming one of the largest institutions in the nation.

He revealed what he sees as a significant milestone, stating, "I'm happy to report that in fact, our first set of religious statues for the museum and the gardens has just been shipped to us from the Abba Anointing Company in Houston, Texas."

"And when we take them from the habour, we will also bring the media to see [them]."

The Executive Director says they are also engaged in efforts to collect other historical artifacts that will contribute to its status as a world-class site.

"In addition to funding, we are already engaging those who can actually give us artifacts, because if you want to turn this into a world-class site, you need historical artifacts and those who can't buy - most museums actually don't buy these things - and so you negotiate. Some will give it to you as gifts, or as permanent exhibitions. Those processes are ongoing on a daily basis."