The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has described the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, as having a double standard following his responses to questions regarding the National Cathedral during his vetting before the Appointments Committee.
According to him, records available in Parliament show that the immediate past Majority Leader and his party have consistently opposed the debate surrounding the cathedral project. He asserted that Mahama Ayariga has not been candid about the project, making it impossible to trust him on the matter.
Alexander Akwasi Acquah noted that while in opposition, the current administration repeatedly bastardised the cathedral project, only to change its tune after assuming power.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he told host Kwabena Agyapong that the current government, alongside some men of God, has consistently spoken ill of the cathedral. His remarks were in reaction to statements made by Mahama Ayariga during his vetting session.
During his appearance before the Appointments Committee, Mahama Ayariga described the National Cathedral project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a good idea that was poorly implemented. The Bawku Central MP explained that he had no fundamental objection to establishing a National Cathedral for Christians in Ghana, but maintained that certain aspects—particularly the chosen location—were problematic.
Reacting to those comments, the Akim Oda lawmaker stated that the remarks exposed the hypocritical nature of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that Ghanaians should not trust the nominee because nothing substantial would come of his words. He referenced former Minister Ahmed Ibrahim, who made similar promises about working with the Christian community to raise funds to complete the project but failed to deliver.
“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. 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 added: “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.”
The MP emphasized that the cathedral was a pledge made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which the party remains committed to fulfilling should Dr Mahamudu Bawumia win the 2028 elections.
“We know we started the project, and as a party that has the concerns of Christians at heart, we will deliver on it. For political expediency, some Christians and pastors are against the cathedral, but trust me, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will complete it if he wins the elections,” he concluded.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
