Speaking during a citizens’ engagement as part of his tour of the Upper West Region, President Mahama said he did not oppose the construction of a National Cathedral but questioned the use of public funds to finance the project.

“My second problem was that we shouldn’t use taxpayers’ money,” he said, while discussing his concerns about the project.

President Mahama suggested that Ghana’s large Christian population could mobilise the necessary resources to complete the facility. He indicated that if individual Christians contributed towards the project, sufficient funds could be raised without placing an additional burden on the state.

The President’s position is consistent with an earlier statement he made in January 2025, when he called for Christians to reach a consensus on how to complete the project without relying on public funds.

The National Cathedral has been the subject of controversy over its financing and the use of state resources. Under the previous administration, public funds were used for the project, with government spending reported at about US$58 million by 2022. A subsequent Deloitte audit raised concerns about financial management, procurement practices and payments connected to the project.

In July 2025, President Mahama ordered a forensic audit of the project following the findings of the Deloitte review. Government also announced that no further public funds would be committed to the project.

Mahama’s latest comments therefore reinforce his administration’s position that the National Cathedral should not become a financial obligation on Ghanaian taxpayers, while leaving the door open for the Christian community and private supporters to determine how the project can be completed.

Photo courtesy: H. E. J. D. Mahama, Ghana Webbers