Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says former president Akufo-Addo “used God to scam Ghanaians” through the controversial National Cathedral project, calling it one of the biggest deceptions in Ghana’s recent history.

Speaking on the AM Show on Thursday, Elikem Kotoko said the project, which was touted as a national monument to honour God, turned out to be a political and financial deception.

He claimed the initiative preyed on Ghanaians’ deep religious sentiments while failing to deliver any meaningful progress.

“This is somebody who could scam even God,” he said. “President Akufo-Addo only used our vulnerability as a people, that when we mention God, we are careful how we react or criticise. So, he used God to scam all of us.”

Elikem Kotoko questioned why the former president promised to complete the Cathedral within his first term but left the project largely unfinished despite substantial funds being allocated.

He cited inconsistencies between official claims and the actual state of work at the construction site.

“At the time he read the budget, he told us rehabilitation work there was 90%. A toddler who visits that place will tell you not even 5% has been done,” he added.

The National Cathedral, one of the flagship projects under the Akufo-Addo administration, was envisioned as a national Christian worship and tourism centre.

However, it has been mired in controversy, with allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and stalled construction progress.