Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s finance minister, has argued in favor of a strategic reevaluation of the current negotiations over the building of the National Cathedral, highlighting the building’s potential to be a major engine of economic growth.

During his speech at the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, Ofori-Atta emphasized the cathedral’s function as a strong infrastructure that has the potential to greatly expand the travel and tourism industry.

Millions of Christians from throughout Africa would likely travel to the cathedral on pilgrimage, and with an average expenditure of $3,000 per visitor, the cathedral would bring in a sizable sum of money for the continent’s economy.

“As we look at something like the Cathedral that has economic benefits beyond what we see…In Africa, we have some 600 million people who are Christians so imagine Ghana as the new Jerusalem and these 600 million people floating through with $3,000 to spend, it is a very different reality.”

In spite of the continuous discussions and disputes surrounding the cathedral project, Ofori-Atta advocated for a more positive approach, stating that the government ought to give careful thought to the cathedral’s potential to advance Ghana’s economic growth.

“Even as we contend with it and fight about it, let’s think of this triangle and find a reason why we should also add that as part of the infrastructure base as we build a society with a strong, resilient, and robust future,” he emphasized.

Recognizing the tourism and arts industries’ enormous economic potential to spur growth and create jobs, the finance minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming them.

He said that the tourism industry has a multiplier effect and that it can improve other industries and the nation’s economy as a whole.