Dr. Joyce Aryee, a member of the National Cathedral Board of Trustees, has brushed aside concerns over staff payments during the ongoing construction halt, describing the criticisms as “ridiculous.”

Her remarks follow increasing public scrutiny over the stalled project and questions about staff salaries, including that of CEO Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah.

Addressing the issue at a symposium organised in collaboration with TD Jakes’ divinity school on Monday, 14 October 2024, Dr. Aryee defended the project’s operational processes.

“If a project is on hold, it doesn’t mean that people are not working to keep it going. I’m surprised, I don’t even want to comment on it, as ridiculous as this. No, I won’t comment,” she firmly stated.

Challenging the rationale behind the concerns, she added: “So you establish an organisation, and the organisation should stop because you don’t have money to continue a certain aspect of the organisation. Is that it? Answer it yourself.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Executive Director of the National Cathedral, sought to dispel misconceptions about the scope of the project, emphasising that it is more than just a place of worship.

“The National Cathedral is more than a church,” Dr. Opoku-Mensah said. “It includes critical national, continental, and global conversations.”

He further highlighted the potential of the cathedral to boost Ghana’s economy and showcase its rich cultural heritage, noting that the project will feature Africa’s first Museum of the Bible, in collaboration with the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.

The National Cathedral project has faced significant opposition, with critics questioning the government’s role and concerns about financial transparency. However, Dr. Opoku-Mensah remains optimistic. The recent symposium, held in partnership with TD Jakes’ divinity school, was part of efforts to clarify the broader vision of the cathedral.

“We seek to demonstrate the conveying functions of the National Cathedral,” he explained, adding that the initiative also aims to build a Pan-African community, fostering faith-based connections between Ghana and the African diaspora.

Dr. Opoku-Mensah praised TD Jakes’ divinity school for its efforts in advancing theological education across Africa, while reiterating the importance of the National Cathedral in engaging Ghana on both spiritual and cultural fronts.