Features
When God speaks to the Clergy about the National Cathedral project
News circulating on social media platform indicate that two eminent clergymen and members of the Board of trustees of the controversial National Cathedral project have called for its immediate suspension and audit.
The two prominent personalities, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba, were quoted to have said that their call was based on the controversies surrounding the project.
According to them, the suspension would pave the way for transparency and accountability to be provided to the Ghanaian people. In a memo sent to the Board of Trustees on Monday, January 23, and sighted by My JoyOnline.com, the two persons called for an independent audit into the expenditures of the project. They noted that the auditors must be one that was nationally recognised.
CONCERNS OF TWO CLERGYMEN
Hear the two respected clergymen in the excerpts of the memo: “That in the spirit and cause of transparency and accountability to the Ghanaian people, the current Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral shall appoint an independent, nationally recognised accounting firm to audit all public funds contributed to and spent by the National cathedral. Auditors will also audit the overall cost of the project. The appointment of an auditor, shall take place before the deferment of activities of the Board of Trustees”.
The two eminent and respectable pastors were also quoted to have said that the national cathedral project should not continue until the economic conditions in the country are improved. According to them, the current activities advancing to the construction of the project should be deferred until the atmospheric conditions in Ghana are improved and the audit of the cathedral account is done.
REASONS BEHIND BISHOP HEWARD-MILLS RESIGNATION
In the midst of controversies, the founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International, Bishop Dag Heward- Mills resigned from the Cathedral’s Board of Trustees in August 2022. In so doing the eminent and revered pastor, did not give specific reason for his resignation, which gave room for Ghanaians to speculate and give their own conjectures about his unilateral decision to resign. However, his resignation letter which appeared to have been leaked recently, attributed his exit to unresolved concerns about the cost of the National cathedral project and other pertinent issues.
The National Cathedral Project spearheaded by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, remains one of the controversial national public issues since the project was announced by the President some years back.
Apart from the accountability issues which were raised by the Minority caucus in Parliament, there have been many concerns raised by the majority of Ghanaians about the relevance of the project, especially at this particular time when the country is in dire economic crisis.
CONTROVERSY OVER THE CATHEDRAL PROJECT
Many were those who thought that even though the idea for the construction of this edifice was not entirely bad and that all things being equal, the project can go on uninterrupted, they felt that it was so strange that while the economic hardships were so severe and unbearable, moneys are being channeled into the construction of this project in the face of the present economic challenges.
Most of the country’s health facilities are in poor state with shortage of essential drugs and life- saving equipment such as oxygen, laboratory equipment, hospital beds, drips among others.
Besides, children are squatting and writing on bare floors due to lack of classrooms furniture, while school children are studying under very difficult and terrible conditions with no classroom accommodation, yet the country is spending huge sums of money to build a cathedral to serve as a monument for one particular person.
OKUDZETO ABLAKWA’S ARGUMENT
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region and the outspoken legislature, has been a regular advocate against the project since the announcement by the government to undertake the project.
His argument is simply that Ghana with its current needs and ailing economy does not need a national cathedral. He opined that funds that was being used for that project could be channeled into improving the lives and living conditions of Ghanaians. Currently he has gone to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), challenging some of the key people against certain irregularities within the project.
Indeed, this particular cathedral project, is an issue that has attracted a lot of public criticism and condemnations whatsoever. Members of the Board of Trustees, mostly from the clergy have initially unanimously supported the idea for the construction of this cathedral since it falls within their domain and nobody can fault them since they are entitled to their opinions.
They have initially turned blind eye to the critics believing that they are anti-Christ and, would not like the house of God to be built. But that should not be the case at all in the midst of the current economic turmoil which has persuaded the country to run to the International Monetary Fund to seek a bailout for the economy which is sick and in comma.
GHANA’S CHRISTIANITY POPULATION
Ghana is a country in which Christianity has dominated the population with 71.3 percent being member of various Christian denominations, according to the National Population Census held in 2021. It means the majority of the people subscribed to Christianity and believe in the teachings of the Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth.
However, in a situation in which we find ourselves at this particular point in time, we cannot channel resources into a project that will not inure to the total benefit of the people and the good Lord Himself understands that.
We only hope and pray that when the economy stabilises and we are in the position to accommodate a project such as a national cathedral, we can then take an advantage of that and the people will give their fullest support to it and even contribute towards its construction.
THE VOICES OF OUR CLERGYMEN
It is so refreshing that some of the eminent clergymen in the society who happen to be members of the National Trustee of the National Cathedral has been spoken to the Almighty God to hasten slowly in this particular project in view of our present circumstance and also to ensure the fullest accountability of the investment made so far in this project. That is indeed, heartwarming and welcoming news and we hope other members will follow the shining example.
We also hope that the President being a listening head of state, will accommodate the concerns of the majority of Ghanaians and hold on to the project for now, as we find ways to bring the economy back on track.
Nobody is against the construction of a place for religious activities, but it has to be done when our priorities are right. Ghanaians cannot sacrifice their impoverished, poverty and sufferings at the expense of a national cathedral which has no bearing on their living conditions whatsoever.
The government must face facts and do things that are beneficial and inure to the progress of our dear country. Anything short of that, will not be tolerated by the majority of people who find themselves in abject poverty and find it difficult to make ends meet.
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
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By Charles Neequaye
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
