Mahama Ayariga Cannot Be Trusted On National Cathedral Project – Akim Oda MP

The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has accused the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, of double standards over his comments on the National Cathedral project.

According to the MP, parliamentary records show that the former Majority Leader and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) consistently opposed the cathedral while in opposition, and therefore his latest posture during vetting cannot be trusted.

Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM's Frontline with Kwabena Agyapong, Mr Acquah said the current government and some men of God bastardized the project when they were in opposition, but have changed their tune after assuming office.

During his vetting before the Appointments Committee, Mahama Ayariga described the National Cathedral initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a good idea that was poorly implemented. The Bawku Central MP said he had no fundamental objection to a National Cathedral for Christians in Ghana, but had issues with aspects of its implementation, particularly the location.

Reacting to that, the Akim Oda legislator said the comments expose the hypocrisy of the NDC.

"The NDC in government have double-twisted tongues. They have not made any credible and reliable remarks on the cathedral. While in opposition, they spoke ill about the cathedral. During debates on national issues and the economy, they always brought up the cathedral. However, after winning power, their tune changed," he said.

He cited a similar promise made by former Minister Ahmed Ibrahim during his vetting, who he said pledged to work with the Christian community to raise funds to complete the project but failed to deliver.

"When Ahmed Ibrahim was nominated and vetted, he made similar remarks, saying he was in support of the cathedral and that he would work with the Christian community to continue the project, but he failed to work on it. We should ask Ahmed Ibrahim why he failed to deliver on that promise," he stated.

"Mahama Ayariga has also made similar claims. But when you examine that alongside his previous assertions, there is no way we can trust him. When it comes to the cathedral issues, he cannot be trusted," Mr Acquah added.

The MP stressed that the cathedral remains a pledge of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and will be completed if the party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, wins the 2028 elections.