By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Aug. 27, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has described the National Cathedral project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a good idea that was poorly implemented.
He made the assessment when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday for his vetting.
Mr Ayariga, also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, said he had no fundamental objection to establishing a National Cathedral for Christians in Ghana, stressing that religious worship formed an important part of many Ghanaians’ lives.
He, however, expressed reservations about aspects of the project, particularly the location chosen for the edifice.
“I believe that Ghanaians are deeply religious even though constitutionally we are regarded as a secular state. I believe that having cathedrals, church buildings, mosques, and other worship centers are great and exciting things that enable the practice of religions,” he stated.
He added: “And so in my opinion, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a national cathedral for the Christians of the country. And if you are talking about the National Cathedral that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated when he was president, I don’t see anything wrong with it.
“I think it was a good idea that was badly executed. I personally had issues with the location,” he told the Committee.
Mr Ayariga is among two ministerial nominees currently being vetted by the Appointments Committee for the portfolios of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; and Environment, Science and Technology.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Reporter’s email addrees: [email protected]