Mahama Ayariga pledges to explore funding for National Cathedral

Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga has pledged to explore ways of mobilising funds for the construction of Ghana’s National Cathedral if he is approved by Parliament and the project receives backing from the Christian community and President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr Ayariga made the commitment while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27 2026.

He said he supported the idea of a National Cathedral for Ghana’s Christian community, although he had reservations about how the project had been implemented in the past.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with the idea, but I think it was a good idea that was badly implemented,” he said.

Mr Ayariga also raised concerns about the location chosen for the project.

He said that, if approved as minister, he would first engage the leadership of the Christian community to establish whether they still wanted the project to continue.

“If they want to still have it, I will engage with the President and if it is his wish, I will mobilise funds [for] its construction,” he said.

His comments could reopen debate over the future of the long-running National Cathedral project, which has attracted significant public and political attention.

However, Mr Ayariga did not commit to proceeding with the project unconditionally. His pledge was dependent on parliamentary approval of his nomination, support from the Christian community and President Mahama's

backing.

He also made clear that his support for the concept did not amount to an endorsement of every aspect of the existing project.

Mr Ayariga said he had particular concerns about its implementation and location, suggesting that consultations would be necessary before any decision was taken on how to proceed.

He argued that the proposal for a National Cathedral was not fundamentally out of place in Ghana, given the country's strong religious character.

He pointed to the widespread presence of churches, mosques and other places of worship as evidence of the important role religion plays in national life.

The minister-designate said any decision on completing the project should therefore follow discussions with Christian leaders and the President.

The National Cathedral has previously been the subject of debate over its implementation and financing. For now, Mr Ayariga's position is that the idea of a National Cathedral can be supported, but its future should be determined through consultation and a review of concerns surrounding the existing project.