National Cathedral: Ablakwa criticizes government for investing US$58 million in deserted ‘world’s most costly hole’.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has conveyed his dissatisfaction with the government’s extravagant expenditures on the inactive National Cathedral initiative.
This comes after Dr. Joyce Aryee, a member of the National Cathedral’s board of trustees, deemed worries about staff payments amidst the construction pause as “absurd.”
Her remarks come as apprehensions grow over the delayed advancement of the project and its impact on employee wages. Speaking at a symposium in conjunction with TD Jakes’ divinity school on Monday, October 14, Dr. Aryee made this statement. Aryee declared that despite a project being temporarily suspended, efforts are still ongoing to advance it.
I am taken aback by these assertions and, quite frankly, I consider them absurd. I will not provide any further commentary on this matter.”
Reacting to the situation in a Facebook post, Mr. [Name] stated. Ablakwa expressed disapproval regarding the ongoing expenditure of taxpayer money on a project with minimal advancements, labeling it as “the most expensive pit in the world.”
Ablakwa, more than USD58 million has been expended thus far, primarily on excavation and foundational activities, with minimal progress in construction. Nevertheless, the government persists in utilizing public funds to cover wages and project costs for 31 months post desertion.
“You invest over USD$58 million in excavating the most costly pit globally. You persist in using the taxes of suffering Ghanaians to cover salaries for 31 months following the abandonment of the project.
Is this the most appropriate action you can offer in response to the calls from Ghanaians to cease this unjust wastage and exploitation? – Mr. Ablakwa commented on the issue, stating his disappointment with what he sees as disrespect towards Ghanaians and the religious importance of the project. He remarked, “God’s sacred image should not be treated in this manner.”
Ghanaians should not be subjected to such unacceptable impunity and disrespect.
Ablakwa concluded his remarks with a biblical quote from I Peter 4:17a, emphasizing the need for accountability in addressing the mismanagement of the National Cathedral project.
