Some Minority Members of Parliament, on March 6, 2024, adopted a satirical approach to commission the unfinished National Cathedral project despite an initial clash with the security detail.
Led by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the NDC MPs said their gesture was aimed at highlighting the government’s perceived failure to complete the project.
Earlier, the MPs faced resistance from the military and police security dispatched to block anyone from accessing the construction site, where the controversial National Cathedral stands. Their intention to deliver a statement at the location was thwarted by the security measures in place.
Military men blocking Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and other MPs from accessing the National Cathedral site. pic.twitter.com/TuGqIacpwf
— Kwaku Asante (@kwakuasanteb) March 6, 2024
During the standoff with the security, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George urged the officers to allow the MPs to perform their oversight responsibility.
NDC MPs clashed with security at the National Cathedral construction site, underscoring the heightened emotions surrounding the project's expenses. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/02cBSvQ0cF
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) March 6, 2024
The National Cathedral, originally scheduled for commissioning on March 6 as outlined by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the 2021 budget statement, has drawn significant criticism, particularly from minority MPs dissatisfied with its associated costs.
After a series of back-and-forths which lasted several minutes, the minority MPs reached an agreement with the security personnel to address the media at the entrance of the project.
The government promised to commission the facility today, March 6th, but the project is still at the foundation level. Therefore, NDC MPs have performed a symbolic commissioning of the project. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/ftUicXhT7R
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) March 6, 2024
Subsequently, they symbolically cut a sod to commission the Cathedral on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, and Ken Ofori-Atta.
“We commission this expensive hole, on behalf of Dr. Bawumia, President Akufo-Addo, and Ken Ofori-Atta,” they declared.
