National Cathedral Project: Akufo-Addo used God to scam all of us- Elikem Kotoko

Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has accused former President Akufo-Addo of “using God to scam Ghanaians” through the controversial National Cathedral project, calling it one of Ghana’s biggest recent deceptions.

Speaking on the AM Show on Thursday, Kotoko said the project, promoted as a national monument to honour God, turned into a political and financial betrayal, exploiting Ghanaians’ religious sentiments without delivering meaningful progress.

“This is somebody who could scam even God,” he said. “President Akufo-Addo only used our vulnerability as a people, that when we mention God, we are careful how we react or criticise. So, he used God to scam all of us,” he said.

Mr. Kotoko questioned why the former president promised to complete the Cathedral within his first term but left it largely unfinished despite significant funds being allocated. He pointed out discrepancies between official reports and the actual state of the construction site.

“At the time he read the budget, he told us rehabilitation work there was 90%. A toddler who visits that place will tell you not even 5% has been done,” he added.

The National Cathedral, a flagship project of the Akufo-Addo administration, was intended as a national Christian worship and tourism centre but has faced controversy over financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and stalled construction.