Christians speak up, don’t allow this – NPP MP on conversion National Cathedral

Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, has sharply criticised the government’s decision to convert the abandoned National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC).

In a post shared on his Facebook page, the MP, who is also a staunch Christian, urged fellow believers across the country to speak out, describing the move as a betrayal of Christian faith and values.

“As a Christian, you should be worried that this government wants to convert the proposed National Cathedral into a National Cultural Convention Centre. Where lies your faith and love for the gospel? Don’t just sit unconcerned. Speak up now with courage,” he wrote.

His remarks follow the government’s announcement to re-purpose the long-abandoned cathedral structure under a new initiative called “SH0W24” as part of the broader 24-hour economy agenda. The new centre, government says, will boost Ghana’s creative arts, cultural diplomacy, and tourism industries.

According to the policy document, the centre will be developed in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and is envisioned to become Africa’s top venue for hosting global exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and major summits.

Officials argue that the rebranded project will not only generate jobs but also position Ghana as a leader in Africa’s creative and cultural space while still acknowledging the religious significance of the site.

But Kennedy Nyarko sees things differently. In his view, replacing the intended national Christian monument with a cultural venue undermines the very purpose for which the project was started.

He insists the National Cathedral was meant to be a sacred place for national worship and Christian unity, and abandoning that vision for economic and political gain is unacceptable.

The MP’s comments add to the growing debate between critics who see the conversion as practical and inclusive, and others, particularly within the Christian community, who believe the change dishonours a solemn promise made to God and the church.