- The Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, has pushed for the National Cathedral's completion
- The Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer has urged the Minority to support the completion of the project.
- Agyapa Mercer said he is ready to work with Parliament to complete the project.
The Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, has pushed for the National Cathedral’s completion.
Mr. Egyapa Mercer emphasized the project’s potential to greatly boost the nation’s economic growth during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on March 5, 2024.
The Minister-designate stressed the critical role that Parliament plays in guaranteeing the project’s completion, and he expressed his willingness to work with Parliament to complete the cathedral, provided that he receives his approval.
“I regret not knowing the specifics of the financing positions as of right now. However, I think it is clear to all of us that the anticipated private contributions were not as forthcoming. I remember that the House opposed Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s request for some public funds in the 2023 budget so that we could move the project closer to completion.
But since it is clear that some funding has gone toward the project, I will beg [Parliament] to support it. Its current posture is intolerable and cannot continue. 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, especially 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 emphasized that in order to attract tourists, the project must be completed, pointing out that funding has ceased.
“I genuinely think that the National Cathedral was intended with good intentions. His Excellency the President took a position that it was something that needed to be done between the state and private faith-based organizations. And so, the state needed certain contributions. And the expectation was that the faith-based organizations were also going to make contributions to ensure that the facility was completed.”
Originally slated for completion in March 2024, the cathedral’s construction has faced delays.
