The Member of Parliament for North Tongu says countries with economies better than that of Ghana did not rush to construct cathedrals.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said this was done to ensure equitable distribution of limited resources.

For this reason, the NDC lawmaker does not understand why the government wants to construct the country’s National Cathedral in four years.

Much wealthier economies took a longer period to construct their flagship cathedrals so other critical sectors do not suffer unduly.

Washington NC: 82 years
Milan Cath: 579 years
London St. Paul’s: 35 years
Cologne Cath: 74 years

“Super Rich” Ghana is doing 4 years (2020-2024). pic.twitter.com/ku6A47lS6M

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 6, 2022

As a result, the former Deputy Education Minister sarcastically described Ghana as a “super-rich” country.

“Much wealthier economies took a longer period to construct their flagship cathedrals, so other critical sectors do not suffer unduly,” he said in a social media post.

Mr. Ablakwa had earlier alleged that the government released an amount of GH¢32 million to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Limited in 2021.

He insisted that the amount was for consultancy services that Sir David Adjaye and his company offered in relation to the construction of the National Cathedral.

He said this was authorised by President Akufo-Addo.

“Documents from the Office of the President confirm that in 2021 alone, President Akufo-Addo authorised an astonishing GHC32million of taxpayer funds to be paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd for consultancy on his National Cathedral project.”

“GHS57million so far; more to come,” Mr. Ablakwa said in an earlier tweet.

Recent issues with the project

The project, over the last few days, has been a subject of controversy following the release of GHC25 million to the National Cathedral Secretariat as additional seed money for the project from the government.

The release has led to disagreements between the Minority Caucus in Parliament and the government.

Whereas the Minority maintains that the release is not budgeted for, the government says otherwise.

The Minority said it is not even aware of the procurement processes that were followed in the release of the funds.

However, the Deputy Finance Minister accused the Minority of crying wolf where there is none.