The Board of Directors of the National Cathedral has called on the government to complete the national cathedral project rather than convert it into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC)

The Board proposed the project's completion after holding an emergency meeting on July 7.

According to the government, the National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC) become a central hub for Ghana’s creative economy and cultural diplomacy.

The Board in a statement noted that its calls for the completion of the project is justified by President John Mahama's declaration of July 1 as Ghana's official National Day of Prayer

It further noted that the integration of additional elements including a Bible Museum that tells the history and contributions of the church in Ghana and Africa, including the Ghanaian and African Diaspora, ensures the Cathedral is also developed as a heritage and cultural site that promotes religious pilgrimage and international tourism.

The Board noted that the designs for the Cathedral, the Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, Economic Engine-comprising 10 revenue streams including a 350-seater restaurant, banquet hall, conference hall, library, have all been completed based on the layout and specifications of the site.

"Preparatory works on the land have all been completed, and with the architectural and design work for the Cathedral and Bible Museum also completed, actual construction of the National Cathedral began in 2021, with eight percent (8%) of construction done," the Board further added.

It noted that the project has not been abandoned despite its suspension due to lack of funds caused by politicisation and vilification of the project.

Under the new “SH0W24” plan, part of the 24-hour economy for the creative sector, the NCCC will be developed with support from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and host exhibitions, film festivals, trade expos, and major summits.

The project, the government notes, offers a smart solution to infrastructure challenges without clashing with religious or national values.

“At the national level, a bold flagship intervention is proposed: converting the National Cathedral site into the National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat. This venue will serve as Africa's premier cultural diplomacy and creative economy forum, hosting international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and summits-filling a critical infrastructure gap without conflicting with national values or faith institutions,” the document stated.

The National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC) is a key component of a wider strategy to revitalise Ghana’s creative arts, culture, and tourism sectors as major drivers of economic transformation.

Its development marks a major policy shift regarding the use of the contested National Cathedral site, which has faced public criticism due to delays, rising costs, and questions about its necessity.

Under the SH0W24 initiative, the NCCC is expected to become the flagship infrastructure project for the creative economy, with the capacity to host global exhibitions, festivals, and large-scale cultural events.

The first phase of SH0W24 (2025–2026) will focus on feasibility studies, while the centre is expected to be fully operational in Phase 3 (2028–2030). Phase 2 will see the rollout of the Ghana Cultural Passport, regional programmes, and creative districts aimed at energising local economies. Phase 3 will take things further, focusing on exports and cross-border cultural partnerships.

In addition, the SH0W24 strategy includes the creation of a National Creators Academy, which will train young people in fields such as music, film, fashion, digital media, and cultural performance, using modern tools like AI and virtual reality, along with business and cultural education.

The government plans to build or upgrade more than 250 community centres across the country as part of the 24H+ Community Centre Network. These centres will stay open all day and night, offering space for training, creative work, exhibitions, and performances to support local arts and boost nighttime business.

To help local artists reach more people, a new digital platform called the Ghana Cultural Passport will be introduced. It will showcase cultural experiences to tourists, especially those from the diaspora. Ghana’s embassies will help promote creative exports, and artists will get licensing and export support to reach international markets.

To keep creative businesses running, the plan includes financial support through two funds: the 24H+ Value Chain Financing Facility and a Technical Assistance Grant Facility.

The National Cathedral, originally proposed under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was envisioned as a monumental Christian worship centre in Ghana.

But the project progressed at a snail's pace, spiralling costs and the use of public funds in a secular state. According to reports, a total amount of $58 million was spent on the project deemed to be Ghana’s most expensive bit.

Over a year ago, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raised concerns with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), alleging irregularities in the project's construction and the operations of the National Cathedral Secretariat.

After investigating the case for several months, the Commission recommended that the Office of the Auditor-General intervene and conduct a forensic audit to ascertain whether funds allocated for the project were used for their intended purposes.

The Commission highlighted that GHS225.9 million in “seed money” had been spent on activities including site preparation, contractor mobilization, and consultancy services as of May 31, 2022.

CHRAJ's detailed report recommended the potential prosecution of the board of trustees overseeing the National Cathedral project, citing their role in awarding the contract to Ribade Company Limited.

The report highlighted multiple violations of procurement regulations and warned that the failure of those involved to address the issues could tarnish Ghana’s reputation both locally and internationally.

The government in April this year dissolved the National Cathedral Secretariat after noting that it would no longer provide funding for the abandoned project.