Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has called for a strategic reevaluation of the ongoing discourse surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral, emphasizing its potential as a key driver of economic growth.
Addressing the Ghana Tourism Investment Summit 2023, Ofori-Atta underscored the cathedral’s role as robust infrastructure capable of significantly enhancing the tourism sector.
“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.”
He envisioned the cathedral becoming a pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians across Africa, projecting substantial economic benefits with an estimated average spending of $3,000 per visitor, thereby contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
He acknowledged the multiplying impact of the tourism sector, stating that it can positively influence other industries and boost overall economic well-being.
“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.