Kumasi: Renowned British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye has reignited public debate over Ghana's controversial National Cathedral project, insisting that the initiative was a necessary national investment capable of transforming the country's economic and cultural landscape.
According to Ghana Web, Sir David Adjaye made these remarks during a Public Lecture Series at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology's (KNUST) Great Hall. As the lead architect, he described the stalled project as 'a must project' for Ghana, emphasizing that its vision extended far beyond religion. The lecture, themed 'African Futures: Architecture, Identity, and the Power of Cultural Narratives,' was organized by the KNUST College of Arts and Built Environment and attracted students, academics, and industry professionals.
During his presentation, the founder of Adjaye Associates expressed frustration over the lack of opportunity to publicly explain the broader vision and economic rationale behind the National Cathedral project. He stated, 'We have not been given an opportunity to share our side of the story,' highlighting the heartaches caused by the project's controversy. Sir David maintained that extensive research and economic projections strongly supported the initiative, citing religious tourism as a significant stimulant of GDP growth.
He explained that the proposed cathedral was envisioned as more than a place of worship. It was intended to transform the landscape of Accra and position Ghana as a major destination for religious and cultural tourism. 'The cathedral was going to be the largest park in Ghana, creating a green belt in Accra and circulating major institutional infrastructure like Parliament and Independence Square,' he stated, adding that it would have been the highest building in Ghana, visible from anywhere in Accra.
Sir David Adjaye further argued that the project would have stood as a national symbol reflecting Ghana's Christian majority. He responded to criticisms of the National Cathedral being labeled 'the most expensive hole in the world' by asserting that it was intended to become one of the world's most extraordinary architectural landmarks, giving Ghana a distinctive global identity and driving tourism and economic activity.
The National Cathedral project has been one of Ghana's most controversial public undertakings in recent years. In July 2025, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed that the abandoned project had already cost the Ghanaian state approximately $97 million, despite not reaching completion. This disclosure followed President John Dramani Mahama's directive for auditing firm Deloitte and Touche to investigate the project, initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration.
The public lecture at the KNUST Great Hall was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, and hosted by the Provost of the KNUST College of Arts and Built Environment, Prof. Christian Koranteng. Sir David Adjaye was accompanied by internationally acclaimed Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama.