Minister-Designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture Andrews Egyapa Mercer, has appealed to Parliament especially the minority and Ghanaians as a whole to support the National Cathedral project to completion.
According to the Member of Parliament for Sekondi, the country has already spent a lot of money on the project and that it can not be left like how it is now.
“I will entreat [Parliament] to support the project because obviously 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,” The former Deputy Energy Minister said this on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 when he appeared before the Vetting Committee.
Egyapa Mercer said at the moment he doesn’t know the amount of money that has been invested in the project but it has significance to the nation.
“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.” He added.
The MP explained that the National Cathedral project is a national asset so it is imperative for parliament to consider and approve a budget for the completion of the project.
“It is our national asset in that state and it has to be completed in my mind. And so, if you want a definitive answer that if I have the opportunity to request Parliament to consider and approve a budget for the completion of the national cathedral then yes,” He stated.
The National Cathedral is one of the projects initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The project has come under severe criticism as some Ghanaians have questioned the importance of the Cathedral and the cost involved.
Source: Elvisaokyenews.com
