Ahmed Ibrahim's Cathedral stance sparked calls for his removal, says Kwesi Pratt
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has revealed that the MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, faced sustained pressure to be dropped from President John Dramani Mahama's government, largely because of his outspoken support for the National Cathedral project. The revelation comes as Ibrahim transitions from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources in a recent reshuffle.
Speaking on Peace FM's Kokrokoo programme on August 14, 2026, Pratt explained that the reshuffle was not entirely unexpected, given the country's customs and traditions following the passing of two former ministers within a year.
Why did some people want Ahmed Ibrahim out of government?
Pratt said Ibrahim's comments on the National Cathedral during the heat of the 2024 election campaign made him a target for removal. The minister had declared that the NDC government would build the Cathedral and that opponents would face his resistance.
“Because of that comment, a lot of people did not want him. The Cathedral was a key issue during the heat of the 2024 elections. For a long time, people wanted him out of government but he was not sacked. Instead, he was moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, where he has no business with the Cathedral,” Pratt said.
What has Ahmed Ibrahim said about the National Cathedral?
Ibrahim has been a consistent defender of the Cathedral project, even as it faced intense public criticism. In an interview on Adom TV on April 2, 2025, he expressed regret over how the project was demonised, saying its potential benefits were overshadowed by controversy.
“You see, the National Cathedral, we demonised it to the point that even if something good was to come out of it, you couldn't say it,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the project had a problematic start but urged Ghanaians to wait for the outcome of an ongoing audit before drawing conclusions. Sharing his personal view, he added: “If I had my own money, I could build a National Cathedral for the state. I am an elder, and if you go to my constituency, I use my own money to support churches, almost all churches in my constituency.”
What is the current status of the National Cathedral project?
The Cathedral, initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration, remains incomplete. It is currently subject to an audit to account for expenditures and assess progress, a process that Ibrahim has urged the public to await patiently.
What does this reshuffle mean for Ghana's development agenda?
As Ghana continues to push for transparent governance and accountable use of public funds, the reshuffle signals a focus on aligning ministerial roles with national priorities. Ibrahim's new portfolio at Works, Housing and Water Resources places him at the heart of infrastructure development, a key driver for economic growth and job creation.
For diaspora Ghanaians and investors watching from abroad, the message is clear: Ghana is committed to building robust institutions and delivering on its development promises, even as it navigates complex national conversations like the Cathedral project.