Ayariga seeks Christian unity to revive National Cathedral project

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has urged Christian denominations in Ghana to close ranks and develop a common position on the stalled National Cathedral project.

According to the Minister, a united Christian community would be better placed to mobilise the financial resources needed to revive and complete the project, including support from Ghanaians living abroad.

Mr Ayariga made the call when a delegation from the Christian Council of Ghana paid a courtesy visit to him.

He reaffirmed his personal support for the establishment of a National Cathedral but acknowledged that the project continues to face concerns, particularly over its location and financing.

The Minister explained that his earlier objection to the project was specifically related to the proposed site, which required the demolition of residences occupied by senior judges.

He stressed that his opposition to the original location should not be interpreted as a rejection of the National Cathedral concept itself.

Mr Ayariga said he would engage the leadership of the Christian Council, as well as other ecumenical and religious organisations, to explore possible ways of moving the project forward.

The discussions, he indicated, would include the cost of the project, an appropriate location and possible financing arrangements.

National Mosque as an example

Mr Ayariga cited the construction of the National Mosque as an example of what could be achieved when members of a religious community unite behind a major project.

He said the Christian community could adopt a similar approach by combining its resources and mobilising financial support from both Ghana and abroad.

“A similar level of unity among Christian organisations can provide the foundation for raising the resources needed to advance the National Cathedral project,” he stressed.

Sanitation becomes key government priority

Beyond the National Cathedral, the Minister identified environmental sanitation as one of the major priorities of his tenure and called for a stronger partnership between government and religious organisations.

He said churches, because of their extensive presence in communities and their influence over congregants, could play an important role in encouraging citizens to adopt better sanitation practices.

Mr Ayariga maintained that improving sanitation would not necessarily require complex interventions but would depend largely on discipline, effective waste management and a sense of personal responsibility.

He also called for tighter oversight of private companies involved in waste management, stressing the need for systems that would ensure the sector delivers effectively.

The Minister said government would continue engaging religious bodies to obtain ideas and support for tackling the country’s sanitation challenges.

He expressed optimism that Ghana could significantly improve the cleanliness and management of its cities through sustained commitment and collective action, reducing the desire of citizens to travel abroad simply to experience cleaner urban environments.

Christian Council pledges support

General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, said the Council was prepared to work with the Ministry on initiatives aimed at improving environmental cleanliness.

He disclosed that the Council had already prepared a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry for an environmental care and cleanliness programme, although the agreement was yet to be signed.

Rev. Dr Fayose said the church had historically contributed to Ghana’s development through education, healthcare, peacebuilding, advocacy and governance, and could bring the same commitment to the fight against poor sanitation.

He said the Council would also draw on its previous partnership with the Ministry during National Sanitation Day to mobilise churches and communities to improve cleanliness.

Church ready to support Cathedral

The Christian Council also welcomed Mr Ayariga’s renewed support for the National Cathedral.

Rev. Dr Fayose said Christians in Ghana were willing to contribute financially towards the project but needed clear state backing to give potential investors and donors confidence to participate.

He suggested that taking partisan politics out of the project could create a more favourable environment for its completion.

The Christian Council, which was established in 1929, is also preparing for its centenary celebrations and, according to Rev. Dr Fayose, will require the support and encouragement of the Ministry as preparations progress.