Pastor Mensa Otabil Blasts Small-Minded Ghanaians Over The $97m National Cathedral Project

• Pastor Mensa Otabil publicly criticised Ghanaians for allowing political bias to cloud judgement on the stalled National Cathedral project
• The influential pastor defended the idea of Christians building on a large scale, saying it should be done to the glory of God
• Otabil's remarks drew strong reactions on social media, with some Ghanaians calling on church elders to take a stand on the issue

Pastor Mensa Otabil has waded into the controversy surrounding Ghana's stalled National Cathedral project.

He accused both politicians and some Christians of allowing petty divisions to derail what he regards as a worthy undertaking.

Otabil defends large-scale Christian projects

Speaking on the matter, Pastor Mensa Otabil said Ghanaians are "so small-minded that we allow politics to blind us," directing his criticism at those who have opposed the project on partisan grounds.

He argued that Christians should have no reservations about building on a grand scale, framing such ambition as an act of worship rather than extravagance.

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The respected pastor acknowledged that opposition to the cathedral has come from within the church itself, noting that some Christians had also spoken against the project.

Despite this, he maintained that building massively "to the glory of God" was entirely consistent with Christian values and called for a more faith-driven perspective on the debate.

Ghanaians reacts to Pastor Otabil's remarks

The National Cathedral project, which was initiated under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has been mired in controversy after approximately $97 million in public funds were committed to its construction without the building being completed.

The project became a flashpoint in Ghanaian public discourse, drawing accusations of financial mismanagement and raising questions about the appropriateness of using state resources for a religious structure.

YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions below:

@SegbawuMichael wrote:

"I call on the ELDERS of the CHURCH to stand up. They are our voice. The Prresident political agenda is not in consonant with the interest of the Church. The CATHEDRAL shall be built whether they like or not. Thank you."

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In a second post, the same user added:

"This wickedness must stop. Rise up church of God. Rise up people of God. The President pretends to be liberal but having been championing Islamic agenda in this country. Whatever agreement they have gone with the Qatar's and others to influence our nation with Islam will not work."

@NyansahWura echoed similar frustrations, writing:

"They are forcing Arabic in our schools. Christians had an opportunity to build a cathedral and they squandered it."

The X post about Pastor Mensa Otabil is below:

Joy Otabil loses her mom

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about Mrs. Evelyn Naa Otua Addo who passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, according to the Bonney and Addo families.

She was the mother of Lady Joy Otabil, the spouse of Pastor Mensa Otabil, the founder of the International Central Gospel Church.

Her spouse, Mr. J.S. Addo, a former governor of the Bank of Ghana, two daughters, and seven grandchildren survive her.

Source: YEN.com.gh