Mahama Ayariga pushes for unified Christian front to revive National Cathedral project

Ghana's Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, is advocating for a unified Christian front to reignite conversations about constructing a National Cathedral in the country. Ayariga, during a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana, stressed that Christians both within and outside Ghana have the resources to fund the project if Christian denominations and organizations can agree on its future direction. He affirmed his support for the idea but acknowledged concerns over its location and funding.

Ayariga expressed his earlier opposition to the initial location, citing that it involved demolishing residences of senior judges. He clarified that this opposition did not negate his backing for the broader project. He aims to engage the leadership of the Christian Council and other religious bodies to discuss the project's financing, site, and other details. He cited the National Mosque as a successful example of what can be achieved with collective Christian effort and support.

The Minister highlighted environmental sanitation as a top priority for his term and emphasized the church’s influential role in promoting sanitation practices. He emphasized that effective waste management and individual responsibility are key to maintaining clean communities without needing advanced solutions. He called for stricter regulations on private sector involvement in waste management, indicating continued collaboration with religious organizations for ideas and assistance in sanitation improvements.

Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, welcomed Ayariga’s support for both the National Cathedral and sanitation initiatives. He said the Council is prepared to assist financially and has already drafted an MoU for an environmental program, though it's pending signing. The Council has a history of contributing to Ghana's development in education, healthcare, peacebuilding, advocacy, and governance, and sees continued collaboration with the Ministry as crucial for tackling sanitation issues.

They plan to leverage past efforts like National Sanitation Day to encourage churches and communities to keep their environments clean.