The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has engaged the Christian Council of Ghana on the National Cathedral, sanitation, education, healthcare and religious tolerance.
During a courtesy call by the leadership of the Christian Council, Mr. Ayariga reiterated that government will not use state resources to finance the National Cathedral, insisting that the project should be driven by the church and supported through private contributions and donor funding.
He said the government recognises the importance of the project but believes its financing should not place the burden on public funds.
The Minister also raised concerns about Ghana’s sanitation challenges, calling for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations to improve sanitation across the country.
He said the National Sanitation Day initiative must be revived and enforced, with the church playing an active role in promoting responsible sanitation practices.
Mr. Ayariga further acknowledged the contribution of mission schools and faith-based organisations to Ghana’s education and healthcare sectors.
He cited the contribution of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to healthcare delivery and stressed the need for continued partnership between government and the church.
On religious tolerance, the Minister called for peaceful coexistence among Ghana’s different faith communities, describing religious harmony as essential to national development.
Christian Council seeks government blessing for Cathedral
Responding to the Minister, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose, welcomed his position on the National Cathedral but appealed to government to give its blessing to efforts to complete the project.
Rev. Dr. Fayose said Christians are prepared to mobilise resources locally and internationally to support the construction.
He noted that the Council accepts the position that the Cathedral should not depend on state funding but believes government’s support and approval could help remove the political challenges surrounding the project.
The Christian Council has also expressed readiness to work with the Ministry on sanitation through its Environmental Care and Cleanliness Programme.
The Council previously developed plans to collaborate with the Ministry on National Sanitation Day and is seeking to revive that partnership.
The engagement also touched on the Council’s upcoming programmes, including its Second Ecumenical Convention scheduled for September 4, 2026.
The Council further announced preparations towards its centenary celebration, with the organisation set to mark 100 years of service and advocacy.
The meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration between government and the Christian Council on sanitation, education, healthcare, religious tolerance and other national development issues.
