Mr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah, a former Minister of Trade and Industry during the John Dramani Mahama administration, has suggested converting the stalled National Cathedral project into a tourist centre. He believes that since the project is unlikely to be completed soon due to financial constraints, repurposing the site for tourism could generate revenue in the interim.
Speaking at the 2024 “Africa's Peace, Investment, and Tourism Summit” in Accra, Mr. Spio-Garbrah expressed confidence in the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) return to power after the upcoming elections. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to salvage the project, which some members of the NDC have dubbed the “world's most expensive hole.”
Mr. Spio-Garbrah proposed redesigning the site to attract tourists, leveraging existing artefacts and decorations around the perimeter of the construction site. He envisioned creating an entrance with historical information about the project, making it an educational and historical attraction.
He called on the Minister of Tourism to present a proposal to the Cabinet for consideration and implementation. The Summit, organized by the David Douglas Leadership Forum, aimed to unite stakeholders to promote peace and explore investment and tourism opportunities in Africa.
In addition to his proposal regarding the National Cathedral project, Mr. Spio-Garbrah praised the '24-hour Economy' policy championed by NDC Flagbearer Mr. John Dramani Mahama, which he believes will contribute to the country's economic growth.