GOVERNMENT TO CONVERT NATIONAL CATHEDRAL INTO CULTURAL CONVENTION CENTRE UNDER 24-HOUR ECONOMY PLAN
In a bold and strategic move signaling a paradigm shift in national development priorities, the Government of Ghana has announced plans to repurpose the controversial and long-stalled National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC). This major transformation is part of a new flagship initiative under the 24-hour economyhttp://Savanabit.com blueprint dubbed “SH0W24”, which focuses on leveraging Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant creative industry, and strategic geographical position to fuel economic growth and global cultural influence.
According to a recently released policy document, the NCCC will be developed in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, headquartered in Accra. The centre will serve as the continent’s premier venue for international exhibitions, film festivals, cultural trade shows, and diplomatic summits, cementing Ghana’s role as a continental powerhouse for creative and cultural exchange.
This policy shift comes after years of public debate and mounting criticism surrounding the unfinished National Cathedral project, which was initiated in 2017 but stalled due to funding challenges, lack of transparency, and growing concerns about national priorities. The new direction marks what many have described as a “redeeming pivot” — a move from religious symbolism to pragmatic cultural diplomacy and economic inclusivity.
The National Cultural Convention Centre is expected to feature state-of-the-art auditoriums, exhibition halls, recording studios, digital innovation hubs, art galleries, and spaces for immersive cultural experiences. In addition, the NCCC will house a Creative Economy Development Office (CEDO) tasked with supporting startups in film, music, fashion, design, and digital arts across Ghana and the wider African continent.
The SH0W24 policy framework, which stands for “Sustainable Hours of Work in 24”, aims to provide 24-hour economic opportunities in key growth sectors such as tourism, media, heritage preservation, and performing arts. The government believes that a round-the-clock economic model will not only boost employment and attract investment but also position Ghana as a global cultural destination.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Ibrahim Awal Mohammed, in a media briefing, stated:
“This is not a cancellation, but a transformation. The structure meant to glorify God will now celebrate God’s gift to Ghana: our people, our creativity, and our enduring culture. The National Cultural Convention Centre will be a living symbol of our unity and our vision.”
The partnership with AfCFTA is particularly significant. As Ghana hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, the NCCC will play a crucial role in promoting intra-African trade in cultural goods and services, fostering economic integration through the creative industries. It is envisioned that the NCCC will host over 200 annual events, attracting thousands of regional and global participants and generating millions in revenue and employment.
Civil society reactions have been mixed but increasingly supportive. While some groups had championed the Cathedral’s religious mission, many have embraced the new vision as a necessary and forward-thinking shift that better aligns with Ghana’s current economic realities and global ambitions.
Construction is expected to resume in early 2026, with the first phase of the NCCC projected to be completed by the end of 2027.
As Ghana continues to redefine its development trajectory, the transformation of the National Cathedral into the National Cultural Convention Centre may well become one of the defining decisions of a generation — a cultural rebirth from the foundation of a contested past.
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