National cathedral can’t sit waste, let’s complete it – Minister begs

According to him, the project if completed will generate money for the country-hence, the need for the government to release funds to see its early completion for tourism purposes.

“Unfortunately, I do not know the details of the financing positions of today. But it’s obvious, I believe to all of us that the private contributions that were expected weren’t as forthcoming. I recall that in the 2023 budget, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta requested some public funds to enable us to move the project to its conclusion, which was resisted by the House.

“But I will entreat [Parliament] to support the project because some funding has gone in there. We cannot allow it to sit the way it’s sitting. And so, if I’m given the nod, I believe that if I have an opportunity to make a presentation to you [parliament]. I will urge the support of all, especially our colleagues on the minority side to support the completion of the project.

“I believe it will be a huge income generation for our country and will help in attracting visitors. If I have to present a budget for parliament for consideration, yes,” Andrew Egyapa Mercer told Parliament’s Appointments Committee during his vetting.

He is very optimistic that his leadership as a tourism minister will ensure a collective approach to the completion of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ‘promise to God’.

“I sincerely believe that the National Cathedral was well intended. His Excellency the President took a position that it was something that needed to be done between the state and private faith-based organizations. And so, the state needed certain contributions. And the expectation was that the faith-based organizations were also going to make contributions to ensure that the facility was completed,” he said.