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The National Cathedral in Ghana has been a subject of controversy for quite some time now, and it has recently become a source of concern for many Ghanaians most especially the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Hon. Samuel OkudzetoAblakwa a.k.a Kweku Frimpong. A politician who has been discharging the duties of a journalist on this matter. Hon. Ablakwa has been vocal in his criticism of the project, and he has raised several important questions about the cost, the dubious operations, the shenanigans, and the rationale behind the construction of the National Cathedral. However, what is worrying is the fact that media houses in Ghana have been sitting aloof and have not been doing enough to investigate and report on this matter.
The National Cathedral project was announced by the Akufo-Addo-led government in 2018, and it has been a controversial topic ever since. The government has stated that the project is intended to be a symbol of Ghana’s Christian faith (laughable though) and the personal promise the president of Ghana made to God. It isn’t surprising the project has faced opposition from some religious groups, CSOs, the Minority, and the public who argued about the timing and how it’s covered with a lot of secrets.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has been at the forefront of the opposition to the construction of the National Cathedral. He has raised several questions about the cost of the project and the sources of funding. He has also criticized the government for prioritizing the construction of a cathedral over other pressing issues such as healthcare and education. Ablakwa has also questioned the rationale behind the project, arguing that it is unnecessary and that there are other ways to promote Ghana’s Christian faith. However, what is worrying is the fact that media houses in Ghana have not been doing enough to investigate and report on this matter. The media is an important watchdog in any democracy, and it is the responsibility of the media to hold those in power accountable.
However, in the case of the National Cathedral project, the media has been sitting aloof, and there has been little investigation and reporting on the issue. The lack of adequate media coverage has created a worrying situation where a politician like Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is forced to take up the role of a journalist to inform the public about the controversies surrounding the National Cathedral. While it is commendable that a politician is taking an interest in holding the government accountable, it is not his role to do so. Laughable as it may sound, these media houses then pick whatever info Hon. brings then they set the agenda with it huh!! The latest expose is scarier, for a politician to travel all the way to the USA and bring out damming info regarding the Cathedral.
The situation is worrying because it undermines the role of the media in a democratic society. It also highlights the lack of trust that Ghanaians have in the mainstream media to report objectively on issues that are critical to the public interest. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s concerns about the National Cathedral project are valid, and he should be commended for his efforts to hold the government accountable. The lack of adequate media coverage has created a gap that politicians are filling. THIS IS SCARY!!
