New Choir Robes for St. Matthew Choir

Mr. Ansah with Fr. Bempah and the Choristers 

A new set of choir robes has been presented to the St. Mathew Adult Choir at Tarkwa by a parishioner of the Church at a thanksgiving Mass. 

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Ansah, who made the donation to the Choir, said the gesture was in appreciation to God for the care and healing of Mr. Samuel Ansah, who was taken ill in the last two years.

Mr. Ansah who narrated his near-death ordeal including the harrowing pain, discomfort and the burden of managing the sickness over two-years told the Catholic Standard he was grateful for what God has done for him through those trying moments.

As a sign of thanksgiving, his family presented the robes to support the Choir in their singing ministry.

Alongside the new robes, the Ansah family also provided 75 branded T-Shirts for the Youth Choir and 40 capes to the Singing Band at the Church.

  

Tarkwa St. Theresa marks 25th Milestone

The St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society at the St. Matthew Parish, Tarkwa in the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese has climaxed its Silver Jubilee celebration with a thanksgiving Mass, amidst pomp and pageantry.

Rev. Fr. Felix Bempah, CSJ, Assistant Parish Priest at the St. Michael Parish, Bogoso, who commended the society for its role in the Church, urged the faithful apply God’s grace in their live judiciously.

He explained that God’s grace is an unmerited favour to mankind through the merciful love of God, stressing that “without God’s grace, we are nothing”.

Members of St. Theresa Society in procession 

As missionaries missioned to our families, spouses and children, Fr. Bempah entreated the faithful to utilise the grace in doing God’s work, be good servants to their families, and to the Church.

Sharing his missionary experiences in Ecuador with the faithful, the Celebrant acknowledged that although there were challenges in one’s missionary work, like Apostle Paul he assured Christians that God’s grace was sufficient for them.

He, therefore, urged the faithful to always draw closer to God with a sincere heart, by praying regularly and constantly reading the Word of God. 

Obaapaynin Agatha Ama Sarfo-Ababio, a former National President of the Society, and the first President of the Tarkwa Branch of the Society recounted the initiative and inspiration of the late Most Rev. Charles Kweku Sam, then Bishop Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese and Rev. Msgr. Francis Yaw Tewiah, then Parish Priest of the St. Matthew Church, led to the establishment of the society at the Church on 4^th April 1992.

A section of the Members at the Mass

She noted that the Society which started with 35 members now boast of 100 dedicated members, and 12 distant members, with 75 percent of the members being communicant.

Obaapaynin Sarfo-Ababio, who commended members for their dedication and commitment over past two and half decades, urged them to continue working together to double their efforts and ensure the growth of the society in the years ahead. 

The Society, aside opening numerous branches of the Society in the Tarkwa and Asankragwa Deaneries, as well as parts of the Wiawso Diocese, the Tarkwa branch has produced two Diocesan Presidents out of the 10 Diocesan Presidents and a National President of the Society.

Over the years, the society beside its spiritual activities, has been a pacesetter in enriching the presentation of offertory gifts at Mass, provision of vestments for the Altar Servers at the Church and other Parishes, supporting the vocation of Priests and Religious in the Diocese and beyond, as well as orphanages and the Tarkwa Government Hospital.

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio and leaders with the Priests 

Opanyin Charlotte Bissah Osei, President of the Society at Tarkwa, who thanked God for the countless blessings on the society over the 25 years, extolled the members for their commitment and support to the growth of the society.

She noted that the society was poised to surmount its challenges and remain vibrant in serving God and mankind, and encouraged members to be resolute and continue in their efforts.

As part of the anniversary, the Society initiated 56 Little Flowers (young members of the Society), elevated 10 dedicated members of the Society to the honorary status of past Presidents, and presented a citation to Mr. Patrick Addae, the longest-serving patron of the society.

The Society which organised Novena on the theme: "We did not choose you but you chose us to go and bear fruits” John 15:16, offered prayers for the souls of the 11members and two patrons of the society.

At the Mass, the Society made a presentation of a five burner gas cooker, blender and other kitchen wares, valued at GH ¢5,000 to the Parish.

Little Flowers of the Society

Among dignitaries present at a reception to climax the celebration were Rev. Frs. Anthony Nii Noi Dowuona, Pastor of the St. Matthew Parish; Michael Blay-Morkeh, Spiritual Director of the Society and Anthony Arkesson, Member of the Society.

Others were Opanyin Augustina Abieku, Diocesan President of the Society.

                                                 

    

Don’t discriminate against the sick

Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum

Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of Kofidua has urged Catholic health providers to sustain quality care provision to every patient and respect their dignity, adding that the Church’s health facilities were not-for-profit, but meant to serve the health needs of all.

The Bishop reiterated Pope Francis’ call for healthcare providers to continue serving the sick with renewed energy, at the joint Arch/Diocesan launch of the World Day of the Sick for the Accra Archdiocese, Koforidua Diocese and the Donkorkrom Vicariate at the Holy Family Nursing Training School, Nkawkaw.

He urged health professionals to serve all fairly and not discriminate against any health seeker, stressing that everyone was a child of God and needed to be accorded the greatest care.

Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum, who also visited and prayed for kids at the Children’s Ward at the Holy Family Hospital, re-echoed the fact that the health profession was a vocation and a call to serve, saying, those solely seeking monetary gains were in the wrong profession.

Nana Effah Opinamang III, Obominghene, who chaired the function, commended the Church for instituting the World Day of the Sick, entreating her to sustain the event to promote efforts at bringing relief to the sick.

He entreated health practitioners to cultivate favourable relationships with their patients, show them compassion and sensitise them to live responsibly and tidy their environment to promote health.

The Chief also appealed to the Government to continue the good projects started by the previous governments in order to help the rural poor access affordable health care in their localities.

Mr. Victus Kwaku Kpesese, Executive Secretary, Koforidua Diocesan Health Service, noted that the recognition of staff at the annual function was to motivate hardworking staff and thank the awardees for their efforts in helping save lives. 

 

He also entreated managers of the various health facilities to up their effort in making their recommendation for the awards in time.

   

Dr. Isaac Adu-Poku Antwi, Medical Director of the Holy Family Hospital, Nkawkaw, said the World Day of the Sick offers an opportunity for the healthcare providers to reflect on the sick and those suffering.

He called on health practitioners to be wary of medico legal issues that could land them in legal tangos, huge fines, imploring caregivers to be circumspect in the care they give.

Similarly, Ms Celestine Asante, Kwahu West Municipal Directress for Health, who commended the Catholic Church’s effort in health delivery, tasked health workers to go the extra mile in extending care to the sick.

Likewise, Rev. Fr. Richmond Sintim, Chaplain of the St. Joseph Hospital, Koforidua, urged care givers to respect the dignity of their patient and focus on giving them the best of care at all times.

At the function, some staff of the Emergency Unit of the Holy Family Hospital staged a sketch on how a lady trapped in a galamsey pit was resuscitated by the staff, after the ambulance brought her. The cast at the end, added their voice to calls to end galamsey in the country.    

The Bishop and Dignitaries with the awardee

Mr. Donatus Duncan Adaletey, Executive Secretary for Health in the Accra Archdiocese read a citation in honour of Mrs. Catherine Agbotame Hdzor, who was adjudged the Best Worker, Senior Category, in the Archdiocese for her long dedicated service.

An elated Mrs. Hadzor who couldn’t hide her delight, danced to the melodious tunes rendered by the Therapeutic Voices of the Holy Family Hospital.

She thanked God for the honour and expressed gratitude to management and staff of the Battor Catholic Hospital.

Hundreds mourn Fr. John Oppong

Hundreds of mourners including Prelates, Priests, Religious, relatives, faithful, and well-wishers from all walks of lives attended the funeral Mass for the late Rev. Bro. Fr. John Kwadwo Oppong, O.H., at the St. George Cathedral in Koforidua.

Among the mourners was a grief-stricken Maame Minta, mother of the deceased, with family members of Bro. Oppong, as well as the confreres of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God.   

Fr. Oppong, OH, 62, until his death was the First Councilor, as well as the Superior Director of the St. John of God Hospital at Sefwi Asafo and also a Management Advisory Board Chairman for the Order of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God Centres in Ghana.

Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, was the main celebrant at the Mass, concelebrated by Most Revs. Joseph Francis K. Essien, and Peter K. Atuahene, Bishops of Wiawso, and Goaso, respectively.

Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum in a remark expressed sadness at the death of Fr. Oppong and consoled the family and the St. John of God Brothers of the Hospitaller Order, reassuring them to take solace in the Lord Jesus Christ who will resurrect him.

Prelates and Priests praying for the deceased

He said death was inevitable, adding that ones we are born, we begin to die, but urged Christians to take consolation in the Gospel of our salvation.  

In a homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Asare, Parish Priest of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Tema Community 8, the classmate of the deceased, recounted the gentleness, piety and spirituality of the late brother.

He extolled his goodness, love and friendliness, urging the mourners and the faithful to water the virtues he lived and emulate whatever good thing they remember of the deceased.

Tributes by the Confreres of the late Bro. Oppong; the National Catholic Health Service, Accra; the St. Joseph Hospital, Effiduase-Koforidua and the St. John of God Hospital, Sefwi Asafo, celebrated his love, selflessness, calm disposition.

The late Bro. Oppong was born, baptized and confirmed at the St. Mary’s Parish, Tepa in the Goaso Diocese. He made his simple profession on 24^th June 1985 in Rome and made his solemn profession in Koforidua on 3^rd November, 1991. He was also ordained a Priest at Koforidua on 31^st July, 1995.

Some Brothers  conveying the coffin of Fr. Oppong

He was nominated in August 1995 as Scholastic Master at Afagnan and First Counselor by then Africa General Delegation. He was appointed local Superior of Tanguita, Benin on 22^nd January 1996. He had also served as Scholastic Master in Nairobi, Kenya and appointed Superior and Director of St. John of God Hospital Tigania Community, Kenya.

Described as a good manager, a great listener and unifier, the late Fr. Oppong will forever be remembered for being a man of “great discretion and great attention” who brought a “ray of sunshine” to all he encountered.

WACCBIP-NCHS trains Biomedical Scientists

*The Trainees with dignitaries at the opening session.

The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, in collaboration with the National Catholic Health Service (NCHS) has organised a training Workshop for Biomedical Scientists from some of the Catholic Health Facilities in the country.

The programme which aims at building the capacity of the Biomedical Scientists, is geared towards equipping the skills of the Scientists, as part of efforts to improve quality healthcare delivery in the country.

Dr. Lydia Mosi, Head of Department of the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, noted the essence of scientific research and its contribution to the general improvement of healthcare delivery in the country, and highlighted the opportunities available for candidates who wish to pursue further studies.

She urged the trainees to take advantage of the opportunities available at the school to upgrade and update themselves.   

Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Director of WACCBIP, in an address called on government to support more Ghanaian students desirous of pursuing further studies in the sciences to come to WACCBIP, which is equally accredited to run competitive Masters and PhD programmes compared to any international University.

He noted the need to support from government and industry to augment the cost of training high quality Scientists in the country who would help bring out innovative through research in the industry and in country at large.

Prof. Awandare explained the Centre’s focus as that of skill training, with funding from a World Bank facility through the Government of Ghana, adding that his gratitude for the Catholic Church’s interest in what the Centre was offering.

As one the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence (ACE), he said WACCBIP’s mandate was to improve diagnosis, prevention and control of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, through the provision of advanced level training and research excellence on the cell and molecular biology infectious pathogens.

Mr. George Adjei, Director of the NCHS in an address, described the training programme as a special boost to healthcare delivery at the NCHS.

Saying that “you have a rare opportunity to learn” Mr. Adjei urged the trainees to be on top of their act, since their work was crucial in clinical diagnosis and the general health delivery.

He also thanked WACCBIP for their collaboration to train the Biomedical Scientists from the various Catholic Health Institutions.

Rev. Fr. Wisdom Larweh, Assistant Secretary General at the National Catholic Secretariat, in commending WACCBIP on behalf of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, urged Biomedical Scientists to recognise the objective truth in preserving the well-being and health of human beings in the discharge of their duties.

“The ultimate aim of every research activity in this field must be for the integral good of man” Fr. Lawerh stressed, noting that “efforts in biomedical research must fully respect every person's inalienable dignity, his right to life and his substantial physical integrity”.

He commended the efforts of thousands of doctors and researchers and particularly of the Department and WACCBIP, who, generously dedicated their energies daily in serving the suffering and in the treatment of pathologies.

He expressed the support of the Church in the efforts in biomedical science and to encourage worthy standards of health and life for the people.

Dr. Raphael Adu-Gyamfi, of the NCHS, in a presentation on Clinical Practice to Research: Diagnostic and Healthcare, called on Biomedical Scientists to work collaboratively with other diagnostic team to reduce diagnostic errors.

He said since the diagnostic testing plays a major role in the diagnostic process, which is at the heart of healthcare delivery, there was need for research which is key to reduce diagnostic errors and improving the diagnostic process.

Similarly, Mr. Victor Letsa, WACCBIP Fellow, stressed the essence for Biomedical Scientists to research, during his presentation on Clinical Practice to Research: Diagnostic and Healthcare.

The Workshop which brought together over 25 Biomedical Scientists from Catholic Health facilities across the country was aimed at improving the practitioners’ skills with latest trends in the Biomedical practices and how to effectively diagnose infections and research.

The workshop, the first between the University and the NHCS will be organised in two sessions: first session in January and the other in June for the trainees.

The WACCBIP was established in 2013, led by faculty from the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) at the University of Ghana, Legon.

Congolese delegation commend Ghanaians

Mr. Vincent Agyamide Idambituo, Chairperson of the Democratic Republic of Congo Electoral Commission, has commended Ghanaians for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during elections held in the country.

He made the commendation on Monday when he together with about 30 delegates from D.R. Congo called on the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) ahead of a five-day study tour of the Ghana electoral system and how the religious organisations partnered with other institutions to contribute to peaceful elections.

He expressed gratitude to the GCBC for the warm reception, and thanked the Ghanaians for praying for the D.R. Congo, urging them to continue praying for them at this critical moment.

Commenting on the purpose of their visit, Mr. Idambituo noted that they were in the country to learn the Ghanaian experience and build their capacity in order to organise peaceful elections, as well as prevent electoral conflicts.

Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Bishops Conference, who shared words of solidarity with the people of Congo, in connection with the recent development, expressed concern about the distress situation in that country, adding that the Church was praying for calm and peaceful elections.

The Prelate touched on the involvement of the Church in political reforms since Ghana’s independence and highlighted the interfaith collaboration between the Catholic Church, Christian Council of Ghana and other faith groups, which has contributed to peace building efforts in the country.

He said the GCBC has made it a civic responsibility to participate in the fourth Republic to champion the peace and talk on pertinent national issues.

During the 2016, Archbishop Naameh, who is also the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, where 84 percent of the constituent were Muslims, shared his strategy in meeting Muslim leaders in the Metropolis in order to present a common message for their various constituent during the period. He added that this has contributed to reduce the hiccups that was associated to the area in the past.

Most Rev. Charles G. Palmer-Buckle, Vice President of the GCBC, in his remark advised the delegates to adapt the Ghanaian experience to what pertained in Congo, entreating them to demonstrate maturity and exercise patience in their efforts to work together to bring peace in Congo.

The Archbishop citing Ghanaian interreligious efforts, which he said was over 40 years, urged the religious groups in Congo to speak with one voice on national issues.

Stating that “there has never been any election without electoral challenges” Archbishop Palmer-Buckle stressed the need to work together in harmony, and be prepared to mediate when electoral challenges arose.

Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of the Department of Human Development and Caritas Ghana, at the NCS, gave an overview on the Involvement of Religious Leaders in Elections in Ghana, highlighting the monitoring and observation for validation of outcomes by respective faith groups since 1992.

Other areas involvement he touched on, included advocacy and Promotion of Electoral Reforms, and Voter Education for Compliance of Electoral Processes and Voter Conduct as well as their efforts in mediation, and dialogue.

The Executive Secretary sharing lessons learnt and best practices from an interfaith cooperation in the involvement of faith groups in elections, noted the transformation of religious differences and experiences for social cohesion and democratic governance. elections engagements in Ghana.

Similarly, Very Rev. Fr. Clemet Adjei, Director of the Directorate of Governance, Justice and Peace, shared the Church’s mandate in civic education of the electorate on electoral rules, monitoring of election and the promotion of justice and peace before, during and after elections.

He said the Church collaborates with the National Commission of Civic Education and the Electoral Commission to bring understanding of electoral rules and the electorates right and responsibilities.

Beside, Fr Adjei touched on the Church’s role in training 150000 election observers, who participated in monitoring Ghana’s 2016 General elections.

Very Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frempong, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, noted that in accepting the request from the Congolese Council of Churches to undertake a study tour in Ghana, the Council thought of all the partners they worked with including the Catholic Church.

He explained that the mutual respect that exist among the religious groups, who speak with one voice on national issues and in elections in the country, was so because they have presented themselves as institutions of calm.

As part of the itinerary of the delegation, Dr. Opuni-Frempong noted that they will meet former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agykum Kufour and John Dramani Mahama as well as pay visit the National Chief Imam, the Electoral Commission and the National Peace Council.

They delegate comprising religious leaders of Christian and Muslims sects, were schedule to visit the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and interact with the media before leaving.

Present at receive the delates were Most Revs. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Manpong Diocese and former President of the Bishops’ Conference, Peter Paul Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo Diocese and Vey Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS).

Others were Rev. Frs. Wisdom Larweh, Assistant Secretary General, Dieu-Donne Davor, Executive Secretary of the Department of the Social Communication, Mr. Francis Koku, Parliamentary Liaison at the NCS.

Disability Fund for GFD

The Ghana Federation of the Disability Organisations (GFD) is poised to launch the Disability Endowment Fund, come 5^th December 2017, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, to sustain its numerous projects and programmes.

The Fund would support GFD in its advocacy work for the rights of Persons with Disability (PWD), and build the capacity and strengthen the organisations of Persons with Disabilities in all 200 districts across the country.

According to Mrs. Beatrice Akua Mahmood, Project Coordinator of GFD, the Endowment Fund will support persons with disabilities discover their potentials and live their dreams, as well as help them contribute to national development.

Stating that “Disability is not inability”, She appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians, Cooperate Ghana, philanthropists, and well-wishers to support the fund either in kind or cash, to enable the Federation reach out to more persons with disabilities in the country.

She noted that contribution to the fund, among other areas, will help promote access to inclusive education, by identifying those with special needs, enrolling and maintaining children with disabilities in school.

In addition, part of the fund would support the Federation’s advocacy for inclusive education and healthcare delivery systems so that PWD’s could access education and healthcare services without challenges.

Why the Fund?

The Project Coordinator explained that the Fund is being introduced at a time donor support was dwindling, and the increasing need to sustain the implementation of GFD programmes and projects as well as replicate them across the 200 Districts in the country.

She also observed that the Fund would assist all eight (8) member organisations of the GFD in their programmes, support, train and equip PWDs with employable skills as well as facilitate their employment into the public and private sectors through advocacy.   

Target Groups

The beneficiaries of the Fund include all Persons with Disabilities in Ghana, and those drawn from the eight member organisations of GFD, comprising the Ghana Blind Union, Ghana National Association of the Deaf, Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, and the Mental Health Society of Ghana,

Others are Inclusion Ghana – a group of people with intellectual disability, Share Care Ghana – a group of people with auto-immune and neurological disorders, and Burns Survivors Association.

The Federation also works with persons with deaf-blindness and leprosy, and handles general disability issues whilst its member organisations focus on their specific disability needs.

Mission
With a vision of ensuring an inclusive society for all persons with disabilities in Ghana”, GFD declares it commitment to advocate the rights of Persons with Disability by influencing policies, programmes and activities at the national and local levels and to strengthen the organisations of Persons with Disabilities.

Achievements
The Federation which marks its 30^th Anniversary in this year, has succeeded in influencing the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in Ghana’s Elections, through the introduction of tactile ballot system by Electoral Commission of Ghana. This has enhanced blind persons to cast their vote independently in the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 national elections.

Again the registration and voting of persons with psychosocial disabilities in psychiatric hospitals the 2012 and 2016 general elections, was made possible through GFD’s efforts.

Similarly, through its advocacy GFD has led to the enactment of the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) and Mental Health Act, Act 846, 2012 as well as Ghana’s ratification of the UN convention on the rights of Persons with Disability. 

The allocation of 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund to PWD’s, with guidelines for the management, disbursement, utilization, and accountability for the fund was the result of GFD’s effort.

To support the Fund, please call: 0302240530 and 0240867200

Promote Ecumenism in West Africa-Priests charged

The dignitaries with delegates

Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra has challenged Catholic Priests in the West African Sub-Region to commit to efforts to promote Ecumenism that would foster growth of development in member countries.

Calling Priests to be missionaries to Africa, he urged them to lead efforts in interreligious affairs, as well as be at the forefront in building effective relations with civil authorities in the sub-region to engender peace and help address the challenges confronting many countries of West Africa and Africa at large.

The Archbishop, made the observation at the opening of the 5^th Congress of Regional Union of Priests of West Africa at Koforidua, and entreated Priests to collaborate more with their Bishops to ensure the attainment of growth and development.

He re-echoed the call of Pope Paul VI to African Priests at Kamapala in 1969 at the formation of SECAM, for Priests to be missionaries to Africans and to reach to the world.

 “Start looking at yourselves as missionaries to yourselves” the Archbishop said, urging Priests to be concerned with the happening in the universal Church.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean Marie Spiech in address urged Priests to look at Mary as their mother in discharge of their roles, entreating them to heed the invitation of the Church to love and venerate Mary by imitating her virtues.

He said SINCE the Blessed Virgin Mary was a perfect mother for Priests, they should reflect on her tender care in the pilgrimage of our faith.

The delegates

In an address, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Martin Onukwuba, President of RUPWA, recounted that the birth of the association dates to November 2012, with a directives of Bishops of the joint Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) to Priest from 11 countries within the sub region to hold a Constitutive Assembly of the Association.

He commended the Government and people of Ghana for the warm reception accorded the delegates, and commended the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) for the preaching peace and their support of development of the country.

“For us to gather and operate on this level suggest that we want to contribute our quota to the development of our region” he said.

Most Rev. Michael Ekwoy Apochi, Bishop of Otupo and Episcopal Chairman of the RUPWA, assured the Priests of the support of the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa in their celebration at the Congress. 

He thanked the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Archdiocese of Accra and the Diocese of Koforidua for their efforts in hosting the Congress. 

Opening the Congress, Very Rev. Prof. Francis Appiah-Kubi, President of National Union of Ghana Priest Associations (NUGPA), said even though they are religious and Priests, they were concerned about the regional integration of West African Countries.

He touched on the theme for the conference, “Behold Your Mother: Mary in the Heart of Priestly Ministry”, explained that as Children of Mary, through whom the Church 

The Congress attracted over 50 delegates from 12 member countries of the West African Region.  They include delegates from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, The Gambia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Ghana.

  

Advocate for inclusive Development

Bishop Baawobr with the participants

Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Baawobr, M.Afr., Catholic Bishop of Wa, has called on Ghanaians especially Christians to reflect on the plight of the socially excluded including the poor, and think of ways to reach out to them.

The Bishop urged Parishes throughout the country, particularly those in the Wa Diocese to use the World Day of the Poor (Sunday November 19) to rethink inclusive development to address the plight of the poor in the country.

He made these observation during the opening of a National Seminar on ‘Ensure No One is Left Behind’ in Ghana’s Implementation of the SDGs, organised by Caritas Ghana with support from Sightsavers, Caritas Africa, MAREDES and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at the Catholic Guest House,Tiegber in Wa on Thursday.

Bishop Baawobr speaking at the Seminar

The Bishop who expressed worry at the deplorable conditions of the poor, marginalised, and mentally challenged, entreated stakeholders to make effective and inclusive planning to ensure that no one was left behind in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The SDGs can bring real change provided all the stakeholders work at ensuring that every individual achieves the full package of rights and opportunities the SDGs express” he said.

Describing the Seminar as a heart-warming one, Bishop Baawobr, expressed optimism that “stakeholders in the implementation of the SDGs will find and agree on what to do to so that no region or people or category of people is left behind or worst still is exploited in the process”.

Pope Francis recently named the thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary time (November 19) the World Day of the Poor to help the Catholics and people reflect on plight of the poor in our society.

In his exhortation to mark the celebration of the Day, the Pope said: ‘If we want to help change history and promote real development, we need to hear the cry of the poor and commit ourselves to ending their marginalization’.

To this end, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel F. Saaka, Vice Rector at the St. Victor’s Seminary, Tamale, urged Parishes to give prominence to the World Day of the Poor and use the occasion to champion the course of the poor and vulnerable, whilst impacting on their lives in the communities.

He challenged Catholic Charities to continue making preferential options for the poor, and support the vulnerable, especially those, whose lives and property are under threat.

“The call for solidarity with the poor, is very significant” he stressed, entreating the Church to pay more attention to issues of child labour or trafficking, waste management, care for the environment and check the culture of waste.

In a statement, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Caritas Ghana, observed that incidences in our country of defilement of minors and disruptions to the school feeding programme in some very poor communities that left children without their daily ration of food were signs of a weakening system of protection for the vulnerable.

Decrying the elusive and scanty action given to social protection in the country, he called for a push for demonstrable commitment by public policy actors and architects of national development plans to ensure social protection issues were adequately catered for.

“It is no longer acceptable that the weak, poor, marginalised and vulnerable in society are an after-thought of planned policies and development programmes” he declared.

He explained that the principle to ‘Ensure No One is Left Behind’ meant a conscious policy and programming direction that aims to reach first those furthest behind or at the periphery of society.

Mr. Akologo noted that the seminar, a continuity of Caritas Ghana work last year, to assess the status of Ghana’s implementation of the SDGs and dialogue to ensure that everyone, and especially the poor themselves, understand how they will be accounted for when measuring progress with the SDGs.

Madam Grace Antwi-Atsu, Global Advocacy Advisor at Sightsavers, noted that her organisation was working together with partners, including Caritas Ghana to ensure that no one was left behind in the implementation of the SDGs.

This was after the realisation that most Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), who make up 15 % of the world population, were not systematically included in the progress made against Millennium Development Goals.

To make the biggest impact by 2030, Madam Antwi-Atsu said Sightsavers seeks new alliances and partnerships, as well as use advocacy to ensure no one was left behind.

She called for evidence based advocacy, and entreated funders, non-profits, and other civil society groups to maintain pressure on governments to include PWDs and all marginalised in their development plans.

Notwithstanding the considerable economic growth and reduction of poverty over the years, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in a speech read for her stated that persistent economic and social inequalities calls for the intensification, harmonisation and sustenance of interventions to deal with the problems.

She said poverty which has been halfed from 56.5% to 24.2% nationally from 1992 to 2013, was still rife in the three Northern Regions, with Upper West recording 70%.

She noted that though efforts were being made to increase women participation in the political front, increase women access to MASLOC to improve their women financial status, among others, Government would collaborate with Caritas Ghana and other development partners to provide more interventions to bridge the poverty gap.

Over 45 participants drawn from MAREDES, Ghana Federation of Disable, Diocesan Development Officers, as well as Civil Society groups attended the two-day Seminar.

‘Make Mental Health your business’

Ghanaians have been entreated to examine their attitude to persons with disability in the country, particularly persons with mental disability, and rethink how they relate with them.

Mr. Yaro

Participants at the just ended National Seminar on ‘Ensure No One is Left Behind’ in Ghana’s Implementation of the SDGs in the Upper West Regional Capital, Wa, appealed to Ghanaians to seek ways to support Persons with Mental Disability, and reduce the stigma against them.

They underscored the need for every Ghanaian to take mental health issues seriously and work to support persons exhibiting symptoms of mental illness.

Various participants have pledged their commitment to support sensitise the public on mental illness, extend support to the mentality challenged

The Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MAREDES) in a presentation on ‘Leave No One Behind’ Ensuring People with Mental Illness are catered for in Development Processes, called for concrete steps to take care for the persons suffering from Mental Illness.

Commenting on Mental Health Situation in Ghana, Mr. Peter Yaro, MAREDES, estimates that 10.1% of Ghanaians have mild to moderate mental disorders, adding that a further 650,000 are suffering from severe mental illnesses.

He expressed worry about the fact that Mental health care in Ghana is overly medicalised, specialised and centralised, and called for the integration of mental care, increase in non-drug therapeutic services as well as self-care and community mental health at Public Health Care level in Hospitals.

Section of the Participants

Mr. Yaro bemoaned the low budgetary portion to Mental Health in the National Health budget, stressing that “the less than 10% of health budget allocated to mental health, with the available allocation going to mainly the psychiatric hospitals and personal emoluments of the workers was woefully inadequate.

With increasing trend of mental illness among the Ghanaian population, Mr. Yaro expressed the need for the training of more expert in the mental health, adding that current 15 Psychiatrists and 12 Clinical Psychologists in the country were underserving the people.

Participants expressed worry at the 98% treatment gap for mental illness in the country and called for a collective and concerted efforts to address reduce the treatment gap and ensure their inclusion in development plans. 

They noted that stigma, negative perceptions, fear, helplessness, poor attitudes towards mental illness, as well as inadequate infrastructure and service policy was affecting the delivery of mental illness and epilepsy in the country.

Non-State Actors in Ghana working to address Mental Health in Ghana, include Basic Needs-Ghana, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), the MAREDES, the Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG), and the Centre for People’s Empowerment and Rights Initiatives and others.

They are engaged in advocacy to address right to treatment, human rights highlighting non-discrimination, no stigma and no abuse, and adequate budgetary allocation for mental health, and policies and programmes inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with mental health and epilepsy care needs.

However, Mr. Alexander Bankole Williams of the Ghana Federation of Disability (GFD), noted that the discrimination against persons with disability in the country was more attitudinal, and called for change in our attitude in order to end the stigma to persons with mental illness, since they are also human beings.

Champion Mental Health at Workplaces-CHAG

With increasing cases of mental health related illnesses in the country, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), is urging organisations to take a critical look at mental health and promote it at their workplaces.

Dr. James Duah

Dr. James Duah, Deputy Executive Director of CHAG touched on the relevance of metal health at the work place in order to ensure productivity of the employees, adding that poor performance of worker who hitherto were at their peak, could be related to Mental Illness.

He made the appeal at the St. Joseph Hospital, Effiduase, Koforidua, during a CHAG/UKAID Training Workshop on the Management of Mentally Ill Persons for Faith-Based/Prayer Camp Leaders and Traditional Healers in the Eastern Region.

The Deputy Executive Director, stated that delusions, depression, suicidal tendencies, isolation or quietness, hallucination and one’s inability to cope with the normal daily stress of life, as well as hampered ability to relate well with others, were some symptoms that suggests that people were suffering from mental illness.

Noting that one out of four (4) persons in Ghana were at risk of being mentally ill, Dr. Duah, observed that society was becoming chaotic because we often fail to detect the symptoms of mental illness in people.

He also noted that the burden of mental illness in Ghana was 13%, adding that about 41% of Ghanaians were having one psychological problem.

In managing the cases, Dr. Duah, called on Ghanaians to support the treatment of persons suffering from mental illnesses, stressing that a lot of mental health issues needed physical therapy and psychosocial support.

He noted that the Faith based groups, traditional healers, prayer camps leaders and other stakeholders could help in reassuring and counselling patients, as well as refer them to health facilities for them to be attended to.

The Deputy Executive Director in acknowledging the enormous challenge mental illness poses to everyone in the country, urged Ghanaians to focus on it, since it affected everyone.

Rev. Br. Johannes Torwoe, Superior of the St. John of God Brothers at Koforidua, who chaired the function, encouraged Ghanaians to undertake regular health check, be prayerful, not to drink when faced with problems, love one another, and be each other’s keeper.

He urged people to also watch out for the early warning signs of mental illness, and connect to care or refer them to health facilities.

Dr. Duah addressing the participants

Mr. Victus Kwaku Kpessese, Executive Secretary of Health for the Koforidua Diocese and the Local CHAG Chairman, urged participants to work together to promote mental health in the Eastern Region.

He suggested the creation of a platform to address the challenges and question bothering on mental health or those that may arise during care provision.      

About 500 participants attended the training workshop, sponsored by the UKAID. Among them were operators of Prayer Camps and Traditional Healers in rural areas; Mental Health Nurses and Chaplains drawn from CHAG facilities in the Eastern Region, as well as some managers of the health facilities.

The participants shared some experiences and expressed their gratitude for the knowledge learnt, which they say would go a long way to impact on their operations.

At the programme, Dr. Duah, also launched the Golden Jubilee of CHAG, while paying glowing tributes to the founding members of the Association and commending their commitment and sacrifices in living their roles that has contributed to the success of CHAG.