Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has reaffirmed the significance of the National Cathedral to Ghana, emphasizing its potential to yield substantial economic benefits for the country.
Addressing attendees at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, Ofori-Atta reiterated that the controversial project could be a pivotal element in boosting the nation’s tourism sector.
He envisioned the cathedral becoming a pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians across Africa, potentially attracting visitors with an average spending of $3,000 each, translating into substantial economic benefits for the country.
“As we look at something like the Cathedral that has economic benefits beyond what we see…In Africa, we have some 600 million people who are Christians so imagine Ghana as the new Jerusalem and these 600 million people floating through with $3,000 to spend, it is a very different reality.”
Despite the ongoing debates and disputes surrounding the cathedral initiative, Ofori-Atta advocated for a more constructive dialogue. He urged a careful consideration of the project’s potential contributions to Ghana’s economic development, even in the face of controversy.
“Even as we contend with it and fight about it, let’s think of this triangle and find a reason why we should also add that as part of the infrastructure base as we build a society with a strong, resilient, and robust future,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Ofori-Atta reiterated the government’s dedication to revitalizing the tourism and arts sector, recognizing its substantial economic potential as a driver of growth and a source of employment opportunities.
