The government, has announced plans to convert the controversial National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), positioning it as the flagship hub for Ghana’s burgeoning creative economy and cultural diplomacy.

The stalled National Cathedral project, initiated by the Akufo-Addo government as part of a promise made to God by Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP Presidential candidate, to aid him in winning the 2016 general elections, was estimated to cost US$400 million. However, it had faced intense scrutiny and investigation, due to concerns over funding and overspending.

However, a policy document under the new 24-hour economy initiative for culture, creative arts, and tourism, dubbed “SH0W24”, will see the NCCC developed in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat.

 It is expected to become Africa’s leading venue for international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and summits.

The initiative, the Mahama administration said, will address a critical infrastructure gap while avoiding conflict with religious or national values.

The erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, acknowledged spending over US$58 million on the project, including allocations to the architectural firm Adjaye Associates, despite earlier claims that it would be privately funded through donations from churches, Christian organisations, and the private sector.

Some estimates suggest that the total cost could exceed US$1 billion when compensation for displaced structures and potential cost overruns are factored in. Initially pegged at US$100 million, the cost has ballooned over time due to inflation and currency depreciation.

“At the national level, a bold flagship intervention is proposed: converting the National Cathedral site into the National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat. This venue will serve as Africa’s premier cultural diplomacy and creative economy forum, hosting international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and summits, filling a critical infrastructure gap without conflicting with national values or faith institutions,” the policy document states.

The NCCC forms part of a broader plan to revitalise the creative arts, culture, and tourism sectors as key pillars of Ghana’s economic transformation. It represents a significant shift in the use of the controversial site, which has been dogged by delays, cost inflation, and questions over its relevance.

Under SH0W24, the Centre is set to become the crown jewel of Ghana’s creative economy infrastructure, hosting significant events and exhibitions that aim to position Ghana as a leading cultural destination globally.

Feasibility studies for SH0W24 are scheduled for Phase 1 (2025–2026), with full commissioning anticipated in Phase 3 (2028–2030).

Other strategic actions under SH0W24 include the establishment of a National Creators’ Academy to train young people in music, film, fashion, digital media, and cultural performance. Training will incorporate modern tools such as AI and virtual reality, as well as business and cultural literacy.

Additionally, over 250 community centres will be constructed or refurbished nationwide as part of the 24H+ Community Centre Network. These centres will operate around the clock, serving as venues for training, production, exhibitions, and performances, thereby stimulating night-time economic activity and grassroots creative industries.

To expand market access, the initiative will introduce a Ghana Cultural Passport, a digital platform offering curated cultural experiences for tourists, particularly those from the diaspora. Ghana’s embassies will be empowered to promote creative exports, while licensing and export support systems will connect local creators to global distribution channels.

Financing support will be provided through the 24H+ Value Chain Financing Facility and a Technical Assistance Grant Facility, both designed to sustain creative entrepreneurs and enterprises.

The SH0W24 policy document highlights the vast potential of the creative sector to generate employment, stimulate youth innovation, and increase Ghana’s global cultural presence. However, it also acknowledges long-standing structural constraints, such as inadequate infrastructure and fragmented talent pipelines, that the new programme aims to tackle systematically.

Phase 2 of the rollout (2026–2027) will focus on operationalising the Ghana Cultural Passport, launching regional cultural programmes, and establishing creative districts across the country. By Phase 3, the emphasis will shift to expanding exports and forging international partnerships.

With the proposed NCCC, the government seeks to reposition Ghana as a cultural powerhouse in Africa, transforming its creative capital into viable economic assets while preserving and promoting its rich heritage.

The National Cathedral project, initially launched in 2018 as a symbol of national unity and religious faith, has become one of the most controversial public infrastructure ventures in Ghana’s recent history. Intended as a non-denominational Christian worship centre, it was mired in delays, transparency concerns, escalating costs, and public criticism over the use of state funds in a secular republic.

Despite initial assurances of private funding, significant sums of public money were spent without clear accountability, sparking demands from civil society organisations, opposition parties, and even some members of the clergy for a halt or comprehensive review of the project.

Its proposed conversion into the NCCC marks a pivotal policy shift, one that the government believes will transform a divisive initiative into a unifying space of inclusive national value.