The GH¢80 million cedis allocated under the Ministry for Tourism, Art and Culture for the construction of the controversial National Cathedral has been dropped following staunch resistance from the Minority.
Following a heated debate on the floor of the House, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta agreed to cut off the GH¢80 million from the allocation to the Tourism Ministry and rather allot it to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Communications.
During the debate, the Majority argued as a religious state, the construction of the Cathedral is not only to enhance the religious well-being of the state but also to promote tourism and create a new source of revenue for the state.
Members of the group cited the year of return and how Ghana’s image was boosted and indicated the construction of the edifice will attract more foreigners into the country to worship and also sightsee.
Building the cathedral, they insisted is a national obligation to express gratitude to God and demonstrate the state is indeed dedicated to his worship.
The Minority, however, challenged these assertions and indicated even without a Cathedral God has blessed and protected Ghana even in the midst of chaos in the West African sub-region.
They insisted siphoning state funds to fulfill the personal pledge of the President to God is practically stealing and stressed God is against dishonesty and will demand answers from those supporting construction of the cathedral.