National Cathedral First, Not Accra-Kumasi Road: Former Methodist Bishop Sparks Intense Debate.

ACCRA, Ghana — The former Methodist Bishop of Obuasi, Right Reverend Stephen Richard Bosomtwe Ayensu, has sparked public debate by asserting that the ongoing construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway should not be the government's top priority. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Neat 100.9 FM’s morning show, Me Man Nti, hosted by Owusu Agyemang, popularly known as "De-Governor," the outspoken clergyman argued that national development must be rooted in spiritual foundations. He firmly maintained that the state should focus on completing the National Cathedral project before committing massive public capital to major road infrastructure.

According to the former bishop, a significant reduction in the nation's high rate of road accidents could have been achieved if the state had prioritized building God a sanctuary first. Drawing a direct comparison to the global super power, Rt. Rev. Bosomtwe Ayensu noted that the United States of America thrives because its citizens and systems traditionally believe in putting "God First." In contrast, he lamented that Ghana's development remains stunted because its leaders and citizens consistently choose to pursue individual and parochial interests over spiritual obligations.

Addressing the current economic landscape under the current administration, the former bishop pointed out a stark contradiction between macroeconomic indices and the actual cost of living for ordinary citizens. He observed that despite relative stability in the exchange rate of the local currency against the US dollar, basic consumer items remain heavily inflated. He specifically referenced the price of bottled water, noting that it is noticeably more expensive today than it was under the erstwhile administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

When pressed by the host regarding who should be held accountable for the stall and failure to complete the National Cathedral, Rt. Rev. Bosomtwe Ayensu refused to point fingers at a single individual or administration. Instead, he categorized the stalled project as a broader, systemic symptom of leadership failure across successive governments. He emphasized that the inability to see such a prominent national pledge through to its conclusion reflects a collective lack of continuity and political will within the state's leadership hierarchy.

The bishop's controversial stance comes at a time when the government has actively deployed resources, including the Ghana Armed Forces Military Engineers, to clear right-of-ways and accelerate construction on the highly anticipated 198.7-kilometre expressway. His remarks have instantly reignited the national conversation regarding whether state funds should be funneled into religious monuments or critical transport infrastructure aimed at boosting trade and safety between the country's two largest economic hubs.