Pastor Mensa Otabil Criticises Political Debate Over $97m National Cathedral Project
Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has criticised what he describes as the tendency for political interests to influence discussions surrounding Ghana’s stalled $97 million National Cathedral project.
According to him, Ghanaians have become “so small-minded” that political affiliations often prevent them from objectively considering projects that could have broader national or religious significance.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral, Pastor Otabil argued that Christians should not be hesitant about undertaking ambitious projects that are intended to honour God.
He stressed that the Christian community should be willing to build on a large scale “to the glory of God,” suggesting that the size and ambition of a project should not automatically become a source of political controversy.
Pastor Otabil also acknowledged that opposition to the National Cathedral has not come solely from political circles, noting that some Christians themselves have spoken against the project.
His comments come amid continued public debate over the National Cathedral initiative, which has faced questions over its financing, construction progress and the use of public resources.
The project, originally envisioned as a major Christian worship and conference complex, has become a subject of intense political and public discussion, with supporters defending its intended religious and national significance while critics have raised concerns over its cost and funding.
Pastor Otabil’s remarks therefore call for a broader conversation about the place of faith-based development projects in Ghana, urging Christians to look beyond partisan politics when considering initiatives they believe can contribute to the advancement of Christianity and society.
