The National Cathedral Secretariat has reiterated that the mobilisation of funds towards the construction of the National Cathedral, is not part of government’s programme.
The Secretariat says the facility is only supported by government as it spearheads its own fundraising activities under the leadership of the Board of Trustees.
This comes on the back of criticisms that greeted the Finance Minister’s call for Ghanaians to donate towards the construction of the building.
Presenting the 2021 Mid-Year Budget Review statement on Thursday, Ken Ofori-Atta revealed a 'GH¢100-a-Month Club' intending to mobilise “one million Ghanaians who will donate towards the construction of the National Cathedral.”
“We look forward to Mr Speaker and members of this august House joining the 'GH¢100-a-Month Club' and thus adding their names to the historic coalition that would build the National Cathedral to the glory of God and the edification of our nation and its people,” he entreated.
In this regard, he further announced a shortcode to facilitate the 'collection' set to be launched as the ‘Ketewa Biara Nsua’ programme on August 12.
But a cross-section of Ghanaians will not have it.
They are questioning the basis on which government will make such a call when there are many important but stagnated national projects begging for financial support.
But speaking in defence of the drive to Accra-based Citi FM, CEO of the Secretariat, Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah, explained that “this is not a government initiative."
"It was an update of the fundraising we said was going to happen, and it is not only happening, but it has become this creative process where new initiatives are introduced”.
He said the launch is, “to ensure that as many Ghanaians as possible are given the opportunity to write their names in the history of the Cathedral.”
In November 2018, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, whiles delivering the 2019 budget statement in Parliament, disclosed that government is, among other things providing the seed capital for the construction.
He, however, failed to mention how much government will commit as seed money to the project.
"The state is facilitating this process by providing the land, the Secretariat, and seed money for the preparatory phase,” he said.
Government says the National Cathedral is expected to be officially opened on March 6, 2024.
Latest Stories
-
IGP shares Easter safety tips on Adom FM’s ‘Ofie Kwanso’
4 mins -
Ebo Whyte offers fully-funded trip as he unveils new play ‘Dubai or No Sex’
15 mins -
Ancient culture of Anlo Kingdom: Exploring “Torkor Atorlia,” the fifth landing stage’s old ways of punishment
30 mins -
Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Botswana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone to lead discussions at Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) 4th Country & Stakeholder Symposium
1 hour -
Network International Delivers Strong 2023 Revenue growth at 15% y/y and free cashflow growth of 16% y/y
1 hour -
President Akufo-Addo extends Easter Greetings to Ghanaians, urges safe drive
1 hour -
Government pushes for use of more local materials in housing, other infrastructure projects
2 hours -
Dr Bawumia extends Easter greetings to Christians
2 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘Ghanaians should expect victory against Stade Malien’ – Dreams FC forward Ishmael Dede
2 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘We want to go there and win’ – Karim Zito on Stade Malian clash
3 hours -
Togbe Adzie Lãkle Howusu XII endorses youth leadership as New Force Movement gains momentum
3 hours -
Public Utility Workers Union appeals to PURC to address power crisis
4 hours -
Anbariya loses another appeal in Kumasi as Appeal Court ratifies High Court ruling against the Islamic Institute
4 hours -
Highway construction health hazard: Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam residents appeal for dust relief
4 hours -
SuperJazzClub releases its first single of the year ‘Off’
4 hours