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From Faith to Festivals: National Cathedral repurposed into a National Cultural Convention Centre.

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Buried deep within Ghana’s ’24-Hour Economy’ policy is a proposal so audacious that it could either redefine our nation or become its most spectacular failure: repurposing the deeply controversial National Cathedral site into a world-class National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC).

 

As someone tracking opportunities for the creative sector, this is the one to watch. Here’s the breakdown of the promise versus the peril.

The Promise: Why This Could Be a Game-Changer

On paper, this is a masterstroke. It solves a glaring infrastructure deficit and positions the creative arts as a core economic engine. The vision is to create:

 

An Economic Powerhouse:

A hub attracting millions in tourism and event revenue, creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, production, and logistics.

 

A Continental Hub:

A landmark leveraging our AfCFTA Secretariat status to make Accra the definitive convening capital of Africa.

A True Creative Ecosystem:

The policy also promises real financing through the “24H+ Value Chain Financing Facility” (FUND24) for all creatives and outlines clear investment priorities—from fashion and music to culinary arts and festivals. Creatives are framed as the official storytellers of a new “Ghana Story.”

 

The Peril: Why We’re Right to be Skeptical

The creative industry’s skepticism is earned. The path from this brilliant idea to reality is fraught with challenges:

 

A History of Beautiful Documents:

We’ve seen this before. The promise to build a large, modern theatre in Kumasi to serve the northern sector of the country, or the establishment of a Creative Arts Fund, are promises that remain largely unfulfilled. How will this be different?

 

The Baggage of the Past:

The Cathedral project is already mired in disputes over funding and purpose. Can a new vision truly escape this political gravity, or will it inherit the same political antibodies?

 

The Implementation Nightmare:

This isn’t a simple rebranding. It’s a complex legal, financial, and engineering pivot. What happens to the original designs, contracts, and stakeholder commitments?

Verdict: A Turning Point or Another Dead End?

The potential is undeniable, but the hurdles are equally formidable. This proposal is a turning point. Is this the moment Ghana finally invests thoughtfully in its creative economy, or is it another chapter in a story of ambition outstripping execution?

 

The difference will lie not in the vision, but in the unwavering political will and buy-in to see it through. For creatives, the advice remains: prepare your business plans, align with the strategic value chains, and be ready to hold leadership accountable for their most considerable promise yet.

Source: Kwame Koduah Atuahene

General News

President Mahama to Embark on Working Visit to South Korea

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John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, will embark on a working visit to the South Korea from March 10 to March 14, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and educational cooperation between the two nations.

According to the Office of the President, Mahama will depart from Accra on Sunday for Seoul. During the visit, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and also meet the Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-shik.

As part of his itinerary, President Mahama will attend a ship-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan. He will also deliver a speech at a conferment ceremony at Yonsei University.

The visit will further include engagements with members of the Ghanaian community living and working in South Korea, as well as a dinner meeting with leading chief executives and business leaders to explore investment opportunities.

President Mahama will be accompanied by a government delegation led by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who noted that the trip is expected to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen the partnership between Ghana and South Korea.

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“Corruption is a Cancer That Erodes Our Nation” — Mahama Urges Stronger Anti-Corruption Fight

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President John Dramani Mahama has described corruption as a serious threat to Ghana’s national development, warning that corrupt practices undermine education, healthcare, and infrastructure delivery across the country.

Speaking during 69th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama said corruption weakens governance systems and denies citizens access to essential public services.

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he stated. “Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks, a hospital that will go without medicines, and a road that will be left uncompleted.”

The President emphasized that fighting corruption remains a key priority of his administration, adding that government is strengthening anti-corruption institutions to improve transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

“Under my leadership, we are not just fighting corruption with words alone. We are strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or political affiliation, is above the law,” he said.

President Mahama also called for a national culture of integrity, urging citizens to support the fight against corruption through ethical conduct in both public and private life.
“Government cannot win this battle alone. We must build a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.

He further urged public servants and political leaders to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the management of national resources.

“Leadership must be accountable. Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s development depends on collective responsibility, urging citizens to place national interest above personal or partisan interests.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests.

Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as part of broader government efforts to strengthen governance reforms, improve economic management, and restore public confidence in state institutions.

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Mahama Urges Youth to Prepare for Future in 69th Independence Day Address

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President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian youth to prepare themselves for future opportunities through education, discipline, and skills development as the country continues its journey toward economic transformation and national prosperity.

Addressing the nation during Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” President Mahama said the youth represent the future of Ghana’s development and must be equipped with modern skills to compete in the global economy.

“To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in your potential,” President Mahama said. “You belong to a generation that is armed with tools and opportunities that earlier generations could hardly have imagined.”

He noted that technology presents significant opportunities for young people to build careers and businesses, stressing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“In your hands, a smartphone transforms into a classroom. In your hands, it becomes a business platform, a creative studio, and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.

However, President Mahama also urged young people to combine opportunity with discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence in order to achieve success.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he stated. “Success will also depend on discipline, resilience, and excellence in everything you do.”

The President outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting youth development, including investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs across the country.

“We are investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, and Koforidua,” he said.

He also announced reforms in education and training programmes designed to bridge the gap between school and employment.

“We are reforming education to meet the needs of the modern economy and expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes to prepare young people for the world of work,” he added.

President Mahama further encouraged young Ghanaians to uphold national values of patriotism and integrity.

“Ghana’s progress will depend on every citizen doing their part. Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn,” he said.

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