Presenting the 2021 Mid-Year review Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Thursday, July 29, the Finance Minister, Mr Kenneth Ofori-Atta, called on all Ghanaians to join the ‘100-Cedis-A-Month’ initiative to establish the National Cathedral.
The initiative, according to the Finance Minister, will be dubbed, “Ketewa biara nsua.”
“An initiative – the 100-Cedis-a-Month Club, also dubbed “Ketewa biara nsua” – would be launched by the Trustees of the National Cathedral on 12th August 2021, to give as many Ghanaians as possible the opportunity to be part of the history to build the National Cathedral,” the Finance Minister said.
According to the Finance Minister, the aim of the club is to “mobilise one million Ghanaians who will give 100 Cedis a month towards the construction of the National Cathedral.”
The Finance Minister further disclosed that, the ongoing National Cathedral project will be opened to the general public on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 and will be commissioned on the said date when Ghana mark’s its 67th Independence Day.
“Mr. Speaker, work on the National Cathedral is progressing speedily, and following the program of the contractors, and with God helping us, the National Cathedral is expected to be officially commissioned on March 6, 2024,” he stated.
“Upon completion, the National Cathedral would provide a sacred space for formal religious activities of State and symbolise the enormous contribution of faith to Nation Building,” he further stated.
Is the National Cathedral a necessity?
It is undeniable that faith plays an important role to one’s growth and development, however, given the current state of the economy which is woven with poor road networks, high youth unemployment, lack of water supply and electricity in several communities, increased robbery attacks, poor health facilities, among others, soliciting for funds for the establishment of the National Cathedral couldn’t come at a worse time.
Many Ghanaians including celebrities have taken to social media to register their displeasure.
Social media reactions
“Did I just hear that our government wants us to do susu for a cathedral they wanted and not us??!!
Not susu for hospitals oh
Not susu for roads killing people everyday
Not susu for students learning under trees oh.” -@lydiaforson
“What impact would this national cathedral bring to Ghanaian youth,,,there’s children still learning under trees!!!! Are we safe from this our wicked leaders #FixTheCountry” – @glo_elias
“Ghana is struggling with financing education but government won’t allow citizens to contribute formally through PTA dues and other levies to help run the schools. Rather government is asking citizens to donate 100 CEDIS a month to build a national cathedral. SAD.” – @nimeliabi
“The finance minister says we should all contribute 100 cedis every month towards the construction of the national cathedral oo
Errrrr Mr Minister 🤔” – thenanaaba
