Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) clash with military at National Cathedral site

Tensions flared between members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghana Armed Forces personnel as they clashed at the National Cathedral construction site.

The confrontation arose as some NDC Members of Parliament (MPs) and officials attempted to access the site.

The clash occurred amidst the backdrop of an announcement by the government that the National Cathedral project would be commissioned on March 6, 2024.

The project, which has garnered significant attention and controversy, was initially announced by then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2021 mid-year budget review in Parliament. He stated that the $100-million inter-denominational cathedral would be completed by the commissioning date.

However, as the date approached, a heavy security presence was observed surrounding the cathedral, particularly near the entrance to the construction site.

Both the Ghana Police Service and the Military erected barricades, restricting access to the premises.

In the midst of the standoff, the MP for the North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, took a symbolic stance by facetiously commissioning the incomplete National Cathedral project.

This gesture aimed to underscore the perceived failure of the government to fulfill its promise of completing the project on schedule.

The clash highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the National Cathedral construction and the differing perspectives on its significance and completion timeline.