In 2017, Ghana embarked on an ambitious endeavor to construct the National Cathedral, a project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a monument to faith, unity, and national pride. Envisioned as a non-denominational Christian sanctuary, the cathedral was intended to serve as a spiritual hub for state religious ceremonies and a cultural landmark celebrating Ghana’s heritage. Designed by the renowned British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, the project promised to blend modern innovation with deep-rooted Ghanaian symbolism. Yet, years after its groundbreaking, the cathedral remains an incomplete testament to both grand ambition and significant setbacks, entangled in financial discrepancies, construction delays, and public controversy.
The National Cathedral was meant to be a unifying symbol for a nation where Christianity plays a central role, but its journey has exposed challenges in governance, accountability, and resource management. A Deloitte audit uncovered payment irregularities and cost overruns, while President John Dramani Mahama’s recent decision to terminate the contract with RIBADE JV Company Limited, the contractor for the project, signals a critical pivot. As Ghana grapples with the project’s uncertain future, the cathedral stands as a complex narrative of aspiration, cultural significance, and the harsh realities of execution.
A National Dream Takes Root
The National Cathedral project was born from a vision articulated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who saw it as a physical embodiment of Ghana’s spiritual and cultural identity. Launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 5, 2017, coinciding with Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary, the cathedral was designed to transcend denominational boundaries, offering a space for national prayer, reflection, and unity. Akufo-Addo described it as a “sacred space” that would honor Ghana’s Christian majority while fostering interfaith dialogue, positioning it as a gift to the nation and a legacy for future generations.
The project’s scope extended beyond religion, aiming to cement Ghana’s place on the global stage through architectural excellence and cultural preservation. Funding was structured as a public-private partnership, combining government allocations with donations from citizens and religious organizations. A mobile money campaign invited Ghanaians to contribute directly, framing the cathedral as a collective endeavor. Initial optimism was high, with a budget set at $58 million and a five-year timeline for completion. However, the seeds of its challenges—logistical hurdles and financial oversight—were planted early, setting the stage for the difficulties that would follow.
A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
The cathedral’s design, crafted by Adjaye Associates, is a striking fusion of Ghanaian heritage and Christian symbolism, reimagining traditional elements for a modern context. Inspired by the Stool—a symbol of authority in Akan culture—the Boaman, ceremonial canopies, and the biblical Tabernacle, the architecture shifts these motifs from individual veneration to collective celebration. The sweeping, concave rooflines evoke the elegance of Ghanaian ceremonial tents, while the structure’s form reflects a sacred space rooted in both faith and national identity. This thoughtful integration underscores the cathedral’s role as a cultural bridge, connecting Ghana’s past with its aspirations.
Situated within nine acres of landscaped gardens near Osu Cemetery, the cathedral’s location enhances its prominence, linking it to landmarks like Independence Square, the State House, and Africa Unity Circle. This placement embeds it within Ghana’s historical and civic fabric, amplifying its status as a national monument. The design encompasses a 5,000-seat two-level auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, and a grand central hall, making it a versatile space for worship and gatherings. Additional features include a music school, choir rehearsal areas, an art gallery, a shop, and multi-use spaces, broadening its appeal as a community hub.
A standout element is the inclusion of Africa’s first Bible Museum and Documentation Centre, dedicated to documenting Christianity’s influence on Ghana’s history and nation-building. The interiors, developed in collaboration with Ghanaian and African artists, promise a rich tapestry of cultural authenticity, with furnishings and adornments reflecting the continent’s creative spirit. These features elevate the cathedral beyond a religious site, positioning it as a celebration of Ghana’s artistic and spiritual legacy.
A Financial and Construction Quagmire
Despite its visionary design, the National Cathedral has been plagued by challenges that have stalled its progress and eroded public trust. Construction, handled by RIBADE JV Company Limited, slowed significantly after the early phases, with delays attributed to logistical issues, design revisions, and funding shortfalls. By 2020, the project’s cost had ballooned far beyond its $58 million budget, prompting scrutiny from civil society and the media.
A Deloitte audit, commissioned in 2024 and completed in early 2025, laid bare the extent of the mismanagement. It revealed that Adjaye Associates had received GHS 117.9 million in consultancy fees—GHS 4.9 million more than the GHS 113 million previously reported by the Presidency. This discrepancy raised questions about oversight and transparency. Further, the audit disclosed an outstanding debt of $39 million to RIBADE JV Company Limited, pushing the total expenditure to $97 million, despite the site remaining a skeletal framework. Cost overruns were linked to design changes, material delays, and contractual penalties, though specifics remain opaque.
The most poignant revelation concerned the mobile money donations. Over GHS 38 million, contributed by citizens through a grassroots campaign, was unreconciled, with the audit citing failed electronic transfers and lost records. This loss struck a deep chord with Ghanaians who saw their contributions as a personal stake in the project, amplifying calls for accountability. The mounting financial toll and lack of progress transformed the cathedral from a symbol of pride into a source of frustration.
A Shift Toward Accountability
In response to the audit’s findings and public outcry, President John Dramani Mahama took decisive action. On July 10, 2025, he directed the Attorney-General to terminate the contract with RIBADE JV Company Limited, citing the firm’s failure to deliver within budget and timelines. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, framed the decision as a commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating, “We cannot allow this project to continue draining resources without tangible results.” Mahama also ordered a forensic audit by the Auditor-General to probe deeper into the financial irregularities, aiming to identify culprits and restore public confidence.
These steps, while bold, carry risks. Terminating the contract may trigger legal action from RIBADE JV Company Limited, potentially increasing costs further, while debts to Adjaye Associates and other consultants continue to accrue. The forensic audit promises greater clarity, but its findings may take months, leaving the project in limbo. Mahama’s actions reflect a shift from the optimism of Akufo-Addo’s vision to a pragmatic reckoning with its realities, though they also highlight the absence of robust oversight from the outset.
A Dream at a Crossroads
The National Cathedral project embodies Ghana’s aspirations for unity, faith, and cultural expression, yet its journey reveals the fragility of such ambitions without meticulous execution. Its design celebrates the nation’s heritage, from the Stool-inspired architecture to the Bible Museum, while its planned features promise a vibrant legacy. However, financial discrepancies, construction delays, and governance failures have cast a long shadow, transforming a unifying vision into a divisive ordeal.
As the forensic audit unfolds and the government weighs its next steps, the cathedral’s future hangs in balance. Reviving it demands new funding, a reliable contractor, and restored trust—no small feat amid economic pressures. Abandoning it risks cementing its status as a costly misstep, with the unfinished site a stark reminder of lessons unlearned. Whatever its fate, the National Cathedral has already left an indelible mark, not just as a potential monument, but as a mirror to Ghana’s challenges and resilience.
