Kofi Akpaloo, the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana, has taken critics of the National Cathedral project to the cleaners.
Without mincing words, Mr. Akpaloo described the labelling of the National Cathedral site as the most expensive hole in the world as pure stupidity and foolishness.
He told Kwabena Agyapong, host of Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, that it is senseless for anyone to refer to or label the site as the most expensive hole in the world.
The $400 million state-funded cathedral project has generated controversy, especially since the country secured an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
It is estimated that the ‘expensive hole’, which is now surrounded by weeds, has seen $58 million invested in it.
The minority, led by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, one of those who demanded a forensic audit into the activities, has slammed the government for wasting state resources on the abandoned project.
But Mr. Akpaloo says those opposed to the project and who have labelled the site the most expensive hole in the world are just engaging in pure politics.
Mr. Akpaloo argued that the policy has several financial benefits and, if completed, will generate revenue for the country. “The various churches, groups, and religious leaders who have supported the cathedral project, excuse my language, are not stupid or mad. They know the value and importance of the cathedral project. After the construction of the project, the facility will have anonymous benefits. It can be used for several activities. For example, your son would rent the facility for his wedding.
There can be other auxiliary activities that will generate revenue for Ghana. Several people criticising the project are doing so due to ignorance. The labelling of the project site as the most expensive hole in the world is purely stupid and senseless talk.
It is purely stupid because it is not an expensive hole. What you see there is a car park. It would be expanded. People don’t know and talk anyhow,” he added.