Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama will provide leadership on the proposed National Cathedral if Christian leaders reach a consensus on the project.

Mr Ayariga said President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were not opposed to Ghana having a National Cathedral.

He explained that the major concerns surrounding the project relate to its proposed location, cost and sources of funding.

The Minister made the remarks when the Christian Council of Ghana paid a courtesy call on him.

He called on leaders of the various Christian denominations to put aside their differences and engage in meaningful discussions aimed at developing a common position on the project.

Mr Ayariga proposed a meeting involving leaders of the Catholic Church, Protestant denominations and other Christian organisations to deliberate on the way forward.

He said such discussions should establish agreement on the cost of the project, where it should be located and how it should be financed.

“Based on what I pick from the conversations, then I will organise for us to engage with His Excellency, the President, for some direction as to how to proceed,” he said.

According to the Minister, President Mahama does not believe there is anything inherently wrong with Ghana having a National Cathedral.

“I know for a fact that the President does not think there is anything wrong with the country having a national cathedral,” Mr Ayariga stated.

He, however, noted that the NDC had previously raised concerns about the location and funding arrangements associated with the project.

“We just need to sit, all of us, around the table and build a consensus, and then the President will be able to lead us in the right direction,” he said.

Mr Ayariga further expressed optimism that a united Christian community in Ghana and abroad could mobilise the resources needed to construct the Cathedral.

He cited the National Mosque as an example of how religious unity and international partnerships could contribute to financing major national religious projects.

“If we secure a united front as Christians, I believe His Excellency President John Mahama will be able to lead us to wherever we want to go as a church,” he added.

The Minister therefore urged Christian leaders to work together to resolve disagreements surrounding the National Cathedral and present a unified proposal to President Mahama for consideration and direction.