President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees of Ghana’s National Cathedral and the permanent closure of its Secretariat. The decision follows an audit conducted between 2021 and 2023 that uncovered issues related to governance and public financial management.
On July 18, 2025, the Government of Ghana announced the dissolution of the National Cathedral’s board and the closure of its Secretariat. The move comes in response to the findings of a detailed audit covering the period from December 2021 to December 2023, which revealed several administrative and financial irregularities in the project’s management.
According to the audit report, over $97 million had been committed to the project, although significant amounts remain unpaid to the main contractor. The report also flagged repeated violations of procurement procedures and weak oversight mechanisms throughout the execution of the project.
In response, President Mahama directed the termination of all active contracts and instructed the Attorney General to initiate a forensic investigation. Additional audits have been announced to determine specific institutional and individual responsibilities.
The Secretariat was officially closed as of May 1, 2025. In a statement, the Presidency emphasized that the decision aims to strengthen transparency in the management of public projects and reassure citizens about the responsible use of national resources.
Originally launched as a symbol of national unity and religious heritage, the National Cathedral project had faced delays and criticism, particularly regarding its financing, timeline, and governance.
The government clarified that while the project’s original vision remains respected, the present focus is on ensuring accountability, good governance, and institutional reform. No further plans for the project’s continuation have been announced at this stage.
Joseph Kabuye , Correspondent , Kampala
