World-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye has revealed the broader vision behind Ghana’s National Cathedral. He stated the project was conceived as a major economic and cultural investment for the nation. Adjaye spoke at a public lecture at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He explained the design team sought to go beyond a simple place of worship.
Adjaye acknowledged the significant controversy surrounding the cathedral. He felt the architectural team had not been given enough opportunity to explain their intentions. "I don't think anybody has given us a chance to explain what this project is for us as architects," he stated. The architect presented studies showing religious tourism is a strong contributor to national economies globally. He compared the cathedral to historic world centres of worship that attract diverse visitors. These sites significantly boost local economies.
The project aimed to position Ghana as a destination for religious tourism. This aligns with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors like mining and cocoa. The government has previously highlighted tourism as a key growth area. The proposed National Cathedral’s intended scale suggests a significant potential impact on Accra's urban landscape and national revenue streams. Past government infrastructure projects have faced challenges with funding and completion.
Adjaye emphasized that the cathedral was designed to be more than just a building for religious services. It was intended to be a catalyst for economic uplift and community engagement. "When we saw the data, we were like, wow. This is a must for our country," he said. He added that the goal was to create something that contributes to Accra and its community. The design incorporated a large biophilic park and garden. This green urban space aimed to reconnect people with nature in Accra's growing urban environment. Accra’s population now exceeds 5 million people.
The architect also described the cathedral as a hybrid civic and religious complex. It was planned to house a music school, conference facilities, and a library. A Bible museum exploring Ghanaian and African Christian roots was also part of the plan. Chapels for weddings and smaller services were included to generate revenue. Adjaye stated the structure should be a place for all communities in Accra to use. It needed spaces where people would want to get married.
The design also aimed to blend modern engineering with traditional African spatial concepts. This included ideas around shade, hierarchy, and communal gathering. "So we said let's use science and engineering and this to create a form that would be uniquely from our culture," Adjaye explained. He also revealed plans for a crypt dedicated to national heroes. This crypt would serve as a symbolic resting place to honour distinguished Ghanaians. This elevates the monument’s significance beyond its religious function.