Andrews Egyapa Mercer
Minister-Designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrews Egyapa Mercer, has underscored the National Cathedral project’s tourism potential in boosting the country’s economy.
He has therefore served notice to lobby Parliament to approve a budget for the completion of the project if he gets the nod to become Minister.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday March 2, 2024, the Minister-designate said the National Cathedral project is a ‘national asset’ and ought to be completed.
“If I have the opportunity to request Parliament to consider and approve a budget for the completion of the national cathedral, then yes,” he stated.
According to him, while he is unaware of the National Cathedral’s financial situation, he is aware that the expected private contributions were not forthcoming.
The cathedral’s construction, which was originally scheduled to be completed in March 2024, has stalled due to the government’s inability to secure funding for the project.
“I recall that in the 2023 budget, [former] Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta requested some public funds to enable us to move the project to its conclusion, which was resisted by the House,” he noted.
“But I will entreat [Parliament] to support the project because obviously some funding has gone in there. We cannot allow it to sit the way it’s sitting,” he asserted.
“And so, if I’m given the nod, I believe that if I have an opportunity to make a presentation to you [parliament]. I will urge the support of all, especially our colleagues on the minority side to support the completion of the project,” he added.
“I believe it will be a huge income generation for our country and will help in attracting visitors,” Mr. Egyapa Mercer intimated.
For him, the National Cathedral project is well-intended, and President Akufo-Addo believes it is something that must be done by the state and faith-based organizations.
The Minister-designate also committed to work with stakeholders to ensure the Marine Drive project is completed successfully.
“I am not so sure whether the Marine Drive is not making any progress because, as we speak, the Consortium Partners are actually on site doing preparatory works.
“I am aware that sometime in 2020, it [the project] was moved to the Office of the President and there has been some indication of a desire to have the Tourism Ministry take over the project,” he disclosed.
By Ernest Kofi Adu