Minister-designate seeks Parliamentary support for completion of National Cathedral

Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister-designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is lobbying for parliamentary backing to conclude the National Cathedral project, which has encountered significant contention.

Setting March 2024 as the original completion date, the cathedral's development has run into difficulties.

On March 5, 2024, Mr. Egyapa Mercer stated that the project has the ability to significantly advance the nation's economic development during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

The Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture is Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer.

Declaring his willingness to work with Parliament to finish the cathedral, pending his confirmation, the Minister-designate emphasized Parliament's critical function in guaranteeing the project's completion.

"Unfortunately, I am not aware of the specifics of the financing positions as of today," he stated. However, I think it's clear to all of us that the anticipated private contributions weren't as forthcoming. 

I remember that the House opposed Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's request for some public funding in the 2023 budget so that we might advance the project closer to completion.

But since it's clear that some financing has gone toward the initiative, I will beg [Parliament] to support it. Its current position cannot be maintained. 

Consequently, I think that if I get the go-ahead, I should be able to present to you [the parliament].

I will strongly encourage everyone to support the project's completion, including our colleagues on the minority side.

"I think it will help draw tourists and generate a significant amount of revenue for our nation. Yes, if I have to submit a budget for the parliament's consideration.

He brought attention to the funding stoppage and emphasized how urgent it is to complete the project in order to draw tourists.

"I really think the National Cathedral had good intentions. 

The President of the United States adopted the position that cooperation between public and private faith-based groups was essential.

Therefore, the government demanded specific contributions. It was anticipated that religious institutions would also provide contributions to guarantee the facility's completion."

Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation; Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development; and Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, are among the others scheduled to appear.