The Ghana National Cathedral Board has been ordered to hand over its project site to the Ministry of Local Government by October 31, 2026, following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to dissolve the board. The move comes amid public debate over the project’s purpose and funding, with critics questioning its necessity against Ghana’s existing religious infrastructure.
The Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana project has been formally instructed to relinquish control of the site to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs by October 31, 2026, according to a directive signed by Minister Mahama Ayariga on September 18, 2026. The order, issued after President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to dissolve the board, marks a decisive step in the government’s efforts to reassess the stalled project. The directive, first reported by myjoyonline.com, follows years of controversy over the cathedral’s construction, financing, and perceived alignment with national priorities.
A Formal End to the Board’s Role
The dissolution of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees was confirmed in a letter addressed to its chairman, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, and members. The document, obtained by UA.NEWS, states that the board must collaborate with the project’s consultant to complete the handover by the October 31 deadline. The Ministry emphasized that the transfer will enable officials to determine the project’s future, though no immediate plans for its next phase have been outlined.
The board had remained in operation despite an earlier government directive in 2025 to disband it, as members claimed they lacked formal written notice to vacate their roles. The September 18 letter, however, provides the necessary official communication, compelling the trustees to relinquish authority. Minister Ayariga, on behalf of President Mahama, expressed gratitude for the board’s commitment to promoting the Christian faith in Ghana,
a sentiment echoed in Modernghana’s report.
Critics Question the Project’s Value
The government’s intervention has reignited public debate over the cathedral’s necessity. Elvis Darko, editor of Newscenta Newspaper, argued on citinewsroom.com that Ghana already hosts numerous large churches with comparable facilities. The Church of Pentecost leads in this country,
he said, citing its widespread presence. Darko also challenged the idea of the cathedral as a religious tourism hub, noting that Ghana lacks historical ties to key biblical sites. This is not where Jesus was born. The original scrolls of the Bible, you can’t find them to come and put in your museum here,
he added.
President Mahama has previously stated that the project should be funded through private contributions rather than government money. This stance aligns with the Ministry’s decision to take control of the site, which may signal a shift toward re-evaluating the project’s viability. The government has not yet specified whether the cathedral will proceed, be abandoned, or repurposed.
A History of Controversy and Uncertainty
The National Cathedral project has faced persistent scrutiny since its inception. A 2025 audit by the Ministry of Government Communications, led by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, raised questions about its management and financial transparency. myjoyonline.com reported that the audit prompted the initial push to dissolve the board, though the process stalled due to procedural delays.
With the board’s dissolution, the Ministry now holds the authority to decide the cathedral’s fate. While no official plans have been announced, the move could pave the way for a new governance structure or a complete reassessment of the project’s goals. The government may also seek input from religious leaders, civic groups, or private donors to determine the next steps.
For now, the focus remains on the October 31 deadline. If the handover proceeds as scheduled, it will mark a formal end to the board’s role in the project. However, the broader debate over the cathedral’s purpose—and whether it aligns with Ghana’s priorities—will likely continue.