Dr. Joyce Aryee, a member of the National Cathedral’s board of trustees, has dismissed concerns about staff payments during the project’s construction halt, calling them “ridiculous”. Her remarks come amid growing public unease over the project’s stalled progress and its potential impact on staff salaries.
Speaking at a symposium organized in collaboration with TD Jakes’ Divinity School on Monday, October 14, Dr. Aryee emphasized that the project’s temporary halt does not equate to a complete shutdown. She asserted that staff are still working behind the scenes to keep the project moving, dismissing concerns about their financial well-being.
Challenging the logic behind the worries, Dr. Aryee questioned the notion that an organization should cease operations simply because one part of the project is on hold. She highlighted the ongoing work of the National Cathedral team, emphasizing that the project is not stagnant despite the construction pause.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, Executive Director of the National Cathedral, has addressed public misconceptions about the project, emphasizing its broader scope and potential for positive impact. He highlighted the cathedral’s potential to generate revenue and showcase Ghana’s cultural heritage to the world, beyond its function as a place of worship.
The National Cathedral project has faced significant opposition, with critics raising questions about the government’s role and demanding greater financial transparency. However, Dr. Opoku-Mensah remains optimistic about the project’s future, particularly following the recent symposium which aimed to inform the public about the cathedral’s mission and potential benefits.
Dr. Aryee’s dismissal of concerns over staff salaries and Dr. Opoku-Mensah’s emphasis on the cathedral’s broader vision highlight the ongoing efforts to address public skepticism and garner support for the project. The project’s future remains uncertain, but the ongoing dialogue and efforts to highlight its potential benefits are crucial to addressing concerns and achieving its envisioned impact.