National Cathedral Board ordered to hand over project site by end of October

The Board of Trustees overseeing Ghana's National Cathedral project has been given a formal October 31, 2026 deadline to hand over the construction site to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The directive follows President John Dramani Mahama's decision to dissolve the board entirely, marking a significant shift in how the controversial project will be managed going forward.

The handover instruction was issued in a letter dated September 18, 2026, signed by Sector Minister Mahama Ayariga and addressed directly to the board's leadership. The communication requires trustees to work with the project consultant to ensure the transition is completed by the deadline, effectively ending the board's operational role after years of managing one of Ghana's most debated infrastructure initiatives.

Why the formal deadline matters

The latest directive provides crucial clarity on a situation that had remained ambiguous for over a year. In July 2025, the government announced its intention to dissolve the National Cathedral Secretariat and disband the Board of Trustees following an audit into the project. However, sources indicate board members remained in their positions, arguing they had not received formal written notice requiring them to step down.

By issuing the September 2026 letter, the government removed any legal ambiguity. Trustees now have explicit written orders to vacate their roles and transfer all project assets and documentation to the ministry within the specified timeframe. The clarity should help prevent further disputes about the board's status or their continued claims to authority over the site.

What happens next with the National Cathedral

Once the Ministry of Local Government takes control of the project site, the government plans to determine the National Cathedral's future direction. The project has remained largely stalled for years, becoming a flashpoint for public debate about its construction costs, financing mechanisms, and overall management.

The transfer of authority from the board to a government ministry signals a potential shift from private stewardship to direct state oversight. This change could lead to a reassessment of the project's scope, budget and timeline—decisions that will likely face intense public scrutiny given the strong opinions Ghanaians hold about the cathedral.

Background: years of controversy and delay

The National Cathedral project has been one of Ghana's most contentious development initiatives. Originally proposed as a landmark religious and cultural structure, it has faced criticism over its estimated costs, which have reportedly exceeded initial projections significantly. Concerns about financing sources, project management, and the prioritisation of cathedral construction over other national development needs have kept the project under public scrutiny.

The decision to audit the project and eventually dissolve its board reflected growing government concern about accountability and resource management. The formal handover now represents an attempt to reset the project's governance structure and provide the new administration with a clean slate to make decisions about whether and how to proceed.

Minister Ayariga, speaking on behalf of President Mahama, thanked board members for their efforts in promoting the Christian faith in Ghana, a gesture that appears designed to acknowledge their work whilst firmly closing the chapter on their leadership.