National Cathedral: Let us explore $50m cost option – Martin Kpebu
A Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu, is asking government to relook at the cost of the construction of the National Cathedral.
His request follows reports that some clerics have stated that they can build the National Cathedral for $50 million, adding that they have a track record of buildings in and out of the county.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Kpebu stated that the $50 million cost option being offered by the Clergyman should be considered.
“I understand some clerics say they can even build the Cathedral for $50 million. Why is the National Cathedral Secretariat Project not given to those clerics who say they can,” he asked.
The National Cathedral Secretariat announced a new estimated cost of $350 million for the project’s construction. This is an increase from the initial estimate of $250 million.
The National Cathedral Secretariat stated in September that the additional $100 million will be placed in an endowment fund to ensure that the facility’s activities are adequately funded.
Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, added that this new arrangement will also ensure that they do not rely on external assistance in the management of the edifice.
A few months ago, the Govt of Ghana quietly renegotiated contract sums on the National Cathedral to a whopping $400 MILLION after significant confusion & rancour over earlier design work btwn builders G. Eccher & architects, Adjaye Associates. pic.twitter.com/PbeY4xk4sn
— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) June 24, 2022
However, fresh reports from Bright Simons prove otherwise. According to him, the project has been estimated at $400 million.
Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of the Transformation Assembly Church, Fred Korankye-Mensah, says Jesus will not be pleased if the country spends $350 million on the National Cathedral.
According to him, the construction of most national cathedrals across the world was done when the countries were faring better economically, not when they were facing economic woes as Ghana is currently facing.
He said, “Not at this time of our development. Not at this stage. Of course nations like the UK, the United States of America, other nations have built cathedrals, but at what point of their development did they build cathedrals? We’re not there yet, I don’t think that should be a national priority.”
Speaking on PM Express, he called on the President to rather invest in the lives of Ghanaians rather than the building, saying that would please God the most.
Source: Ghana News
