Amman:Mr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg has proposed a Christian-led funding and accountability framework for completing Ghana's National Cathedral project. This proposal comes after a directive for the National Cathedral Board to hand over the project site to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs by October 31, 2026.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Aziginaateeg, a Pan-Africanist and Christian Socialist, suggested that the government could facilitate the project while the Christian community takes the lead in its financing and construction. He proposed creating a Special National Cathedral Construction Fund for voluntary contributions from individuals, churches, and the Ghanaian diaspora.
The framework emphasizes voluntary participation, with no compulsory religious levies. Contributions could include cash, building materials, services, and other resources. An 'Adopt-a-Component' programme is also suggested, where various entities could support specific project elements.
To ensure accountability, Mr Aziginaateeg proposed forming an independent National Cathedral Oversight Board to oversee finances, procurement, and construction. He also suggested publishing a fortnightly National Cathedral Accountability Newspaper and maintaining a digital public accountability dashboard to provide transparency on project finances and progress.
He recommended a comprehensive audit of the project's technical, financial, and legal aspects before any further major financial commitments. This audit should clarify resource commitments, legal status, and the condition of completed works, while assessing costs to complete the project.
Mr Aziginaateeg emphasized the importance of consulting with Christian bodies and stakeholders to develop a governance framework. He stressed the need for transparency and financial sustainability in deciding the project's future, advocating for Christian community ownership and professional management.