‘Be actors of peace’- Youth tasked

The Participants at the Workshop.

Catholic youth in the country have been charged to continue praying for and preaching peace among their peers and wherever they found themselves, to ensure greater peace in the country, before, during and after the November 7 polls.

Mrs. Abigail Nutakor, Head of Gender and Disability at the Electoral Commission, urged the youth to desist from acts that will lead to electoral violence.

She was speaking at a day’s workshop organised by the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Apostolate of the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) in Ghana for Catholic youth from some parishes in the Accra Archdiocese.

The youth were advised not to allow themselves to be used by any politician to foment troubles during the elections, since electoral violence could pose a great threat to the national peace and development.

Mrs. Nutakor, who underscored the need for all stakeholders to do their bit to ensure peace, counselled the youth to “reject any enticement to act violently” and not allow themselves to be used to cause trouble in the run up to the elections.

 “As Catholic youth, you have a duty to work to preserve the peace in the country” she said, charging them to be pacesetters to preserve peace in the country.

To ensure greater peace and development, she urged the youth to be rational in the choices they make with regards to who they vote for

She highlighted the essential role the catholic youth could play in voter education, promoting tolerance among the public and safeguarding themselves against any action that could cause conflict

“No politician’s ambitions are worth scarifying your life or years of your life in a prison,” Mrs. Nutakor cautioned, entreating the youth to be peace builders in their societies and communities, protect their future and shun electoral violence.

Rev. Fr. Alex Awuah-Osei, SVD, Team member of the Biblical Pastoral Ministry of the SVD, noted that peace building goes beyond strategies, adding that reconciliation is spirituality and a process that must be nurtured.

Touching on Justice and Peace based on the Biblical Teachings, Fr Awuah-Osei quoted extensively from the Book of Genesis, tracing the fall of man in the Garden of Eden as the root cause of absence of peace in the world

He cited the various conflicts chronicled in the Book and noted the plague of fraternal strife between Cain and Abel (Gen. 4: 1-16), Abram and Lot (Gen. 13:1-7) and between Jacob and Esau.

Fr. Awuah-Osei, stated that failure to live and let the other leave, taking undue advantage of those in need, corruption in the society, were some of the causes of conflicts in the society.

In entreating the youth to pray and preach peace to all, he urged Ghanaians to seek reconciliation with God, with themselves, with others and with nature in order to secure lasting peace.

    

Rev. Bro. Oswald Bangfo, SVD, member of the JPIC, Provincial Ad monitor of the SVD in Ghana, stressed the essence of peace in Ghana during and after the election.

In a keynote address, he noted that election should not lead to violence, adding that Ghanaians should back the election process with prayers. 

“As we pray for peace, let act peacefully,” he stated, and urged Ghanaians to cultivate the attitude of celebrating whoever emerges winner in the elections.

The workshop, held at the St. Arnold Janssen Spirituality Centre at Tuba, in the Accra Archdiocese, attracted participants from Divine Word Catholic Church, Tuba, Holy Family Parish, Mataheko, Ss. Peter and Paul, New Weija, St. Karol, St. Charles Luwanga, Abeka; Star of the Sea Church, and St. Margret Mary Parish, both at Dansoman. 

Organisers who distributed leaflets with texts highlighting what the youth should do to promote peace, noted that the programme will be replicated in other areas. 

Background

The Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Apostolate of the Divine Word Missionaries, aims at promoting justice and peace in solidarity with the poor and oppressed in our society.

To do this the society, seeks to use a constant process of conscientising people with a critical analysis on the socio-political situation; as well as promote justice through the effective educational programmes and educational institutions and through their communal approach to evangelisation and efforts of the Communication apostolate.

‘Train Maritime Transport Journalists’ -Fiifi Kwetey Advocates

Dignitaries at the Seminar

The Minister for Transport, Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has strongly advocated for the inclusion of maritime transport in the curriculum of public journalism schools, to enable the training of high calibre Maritime Transport Journalists to improve upon maritime literacy among the public.

He made the call at the 5^th Maritime Seminar for Journalists in the country at Accra, on the theme: Current Development in the Maritime Industry-Ghana’s Readiness.

Mr. Fifi Kwetey, Minister for Transport

Mr. Kwetey, who underscored the importance of the maritime transport subsector, noted that over 70% of Government’s internal revenue is sourced from activities in the maritime industry, adding that more than 90% of Ghana’s international trade volume is based on the industry.  

“Ghana’s oil exploitation activities are maritime based”, he observed, and stated that the seaports were critical national security installations requiring interest and attention of the journalists.

The Minister mentioned completion of work on a $20million Reefer Terminal in Tema port to meet demand for more Cargo, and the injection of $1.5billion investment by a Private Sector Investor for the expansion of the Tema Port, which includes the development of a new container terminal, and construction of a 3.85KM breakwater.

Others include the construction of a railway terminal, reconstruction of Tema motorway into a 6 lane, the near completion of the Maritime Hospital in Tema and the completion of Phase One of the Takoradi Logistics Platform project.

The Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Ketu South Constituency, noted that the Maritime Pollution Act, 2016 was passed by Parliament in May to provide the framework for regulation of maritime source pollution.        

Dr. Affail Monney, President of GJA

The President of the Ghana Journalist Association, Dr Affail Monney, stated that the need to capacitate Journalists was crucial for their performance, adding that “capacity building has proven to be most the potent medicine to cure professional diseases of journalists, including mirror and chronic ones.”

He called on “journalists to limit their excessive and compulsive politicisation of issues and give more airtime and print space to issues which promote our socio-economic well being.”

“The jack of all trade and master of none approach must give way to specialisation” Dr. Monney stated, and charged media practitioners to sharpen their focus on issues which can ensure the country’s economic sustainability.

He thanked the Ghana Shippers Authority for organising the Seminar for Journalists, and pledged the continued collaboration between the GJA and the GSA to give sensitisation to the public on the development in Ghana’s Maritime Industry.   

Similarly, Ms. Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers' Authority, also commended the collaboration between the GJA and the GSA, which has led to the organisation of maritime Seminars for the media the past five years.

She said the recent introduction of Ghana National Single Window system, the International Maritime Organisation Container Weight Verification requirement and the implementation of the ECOWAS Common Tariff were relevant and current happenings in the maritime industry which required the understanding of the media.

She noted that the Authority’s readiness to respond to global changes in the maritime industry, especially where commercial shipping was concerned and keep abreast with trends to be competitive in the global logistics value chain.       

In line with this, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer stated the head office of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has been moved to its new office Complex: the Ghana Shippers’ House last month at the West Ridge Ambassadorial Enclave in Accra.   

“The 12-storey multipurpose office complex is expected to serve as one-stop shop for shipping and related service providers” she added.

Participants were taken through the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Requirement for container weight verification: Is Ghana Ready? Understanding the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and the Ghana National Single Window-How Far?    

Background                             

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority established in 1974 by NRCD 254 has been at the frontline of Ghana’s maritime industry. It collaborates with private and public organisations to pursue the primary objective of protecting and promoting the interests of Ghanaian shippers in relation to port, ship, and inland transport problems and provision of ancillary shipping services.

The Authority has a vision to be a world class service organisation that ensures for shippers in Ghana quick, safe, reliable and cost effective delivery of import and export cargoes by all modes of transport. 

CHAG seeks sustainable Health Funding solutions

The dignitaries and participants at the Conference.

Amidst the rare funding gaps challenges confronting the health sector, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), has shown its readiness to find sustainable means of health funding.

Speakers at a two-day 48^th Annual Conference of the Association in Kumasi, have underscored the need to look at ways of sustainable means of health funding in Ghana.

The Conference which brought together players in Health care industry and member institutions of CHAG spread throughout the country, was themed: Financial Sustainability of CHAG at all Levels: How Can We Do Things Differently?

The Executive Director of CHAG, Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, has expressed the need for all stakeholders of CHAG to contemplate feasible local action to wean themselves from complaints and lamentations, and find lasting means of health funding.

“It is time to explore prospects and potentials for sustainable quality and compassionate health care in the midst of these challenges,” he said, reiterating the need for CHAG to consolidate and expand her gains.

He re-echoed the essence for a refocused passion that reflects the needs of clients and a renewed presence and rejuvenated purpose that inspires clients, staff and community to push for more.  

To develop financial sustainability in institutions, Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, former General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana, suggested the development of a strategic and financial plans to guide the running of the institutions.

Mr. Peter Yeboah commending Rev. Deegbe after delivering
his address. 

He urged CHAG and its affiliate institutions to develop income diversification, sound financial administration and sound financial reporting regime, including periodic audit and project reports.

Rev. Deegbe in a keynote address, charged facilities to develop business plans that will guide their growth, and entreated them to put in place effective team management to enable them render quality service to their clients.

Similarly, Prof. Stephen Addai, former Rector of GIMPA, who expressed worry at the leakages in health systems, called on leaders at health facilities and institutions to get their financial acts correct, establish a rigorous human resource systems and ensure efficiencies in the system in place.

Commenting on the indebtedness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to CHAG facilities, Prof Addai, question why CHAG was not having its insurance scheme, after pioneering the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He stated the need for the infusion of creativity and innovation in solving challenges in CHAG member institutions, asking the body to do full costing of every service they rendered.

Mr. John Alexander Ackon, Ashanti Regional Minister, said financial sustainability involved an inward evaluations of expenditure, investment of idle funds and the running of an effective financial management systems.

He hinted that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has settled a backlog of arrears of claims owed health facilities up to November 2015, and added that the Ministry of Finance has also given clearance for Ghana Health Service to employ more staff, who will soon be posted to some CHAG facilities.

He advised CHAG to promote awareness of her existences and interest people through public health campaign programmes for them to practice preventive and healthy living lifestyles.   

The Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Victor Bampoe, touched on the challenges the NHIS was facing, and noted that “we design a system which has become a victim of its success,” but called on all stakeholders including CHAG to work together as partners to address the challenges bedevilling the scheme.        

Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua, Paramount Chief of Kumawu, who represented the Asantehene, commended CHAG for the good works and said “we all have a duty to protect and preserve its legacy”. 

While calling for alternative sources of health funding, the Paramount Chief also appealed to the Government to reconsider the withdrawal of its support for service provision (subsidies for utilities) and suspend the 15% it was charging the facilities.

Mr. Nathaniel Otoo, Acting Executive Secretary of NHIA, who spoke on NHIS Sustainability: A Shared Responsibility; entreated those handling the processing of NHIS claim forms at health facilities, to exercise caution in the data entry in order to avoid mistakes.

A section of the participants

Other presenters at the two-day Conference included Mr. Zanu Dassah, who treated the topic: Basic Legal Concepts for Health Managers, and Dr. Chris Atim who handled the topic: Financial Sustainability of CHAG at all Levels; What Can We Do Differently?  

CHAG is a network of Christian Health Service Providers made of 291 Health Facilities and Training Intuitions from 25 Church Denominations, established in 1967.

With a core mission to Jesus Christ’s healing ministry, CHAG member institutions, mostly located in remote areas, have over the years demonstrated the commitment to provide holistic health service to all. It also seek partnership with all stakeholder including Government, development partners, local collaborators and communities within which their services are found.

PASSING SCENES

For daring to tell him the uncomfortable truth, he got angry.

For daring to suggest to him that he was wrong, he got mad.

Yes, he called me names, as if to tell me I should mind my business, but that gave me more energy to punch holes in his lame defence.

But did he say I was a wizard?

Did he really say I was sent to disturb him?

I told him point blank that I had no such ill intent to do such thing.

I told him it is because he was too proud to accept his fault that was why he was saying what he said.

So this spare-driver got behind the steering wheel of this Sprinter Mercedes bus at Adentan barrier at around 7:48am. He was about joining the main road when he's conductor (mate) asked him to stop. So he couldn't pack well, and I commented.

We got to Madina at 8:02 am and after struggling to get some passengers on-board, we set off amidst the intermittent delays, so some passengers voiced their concern.

Then when the vehicle started off from Atomic Junction, this driver spat on the main road, and I complained gently. He shook his head several times as if to say, ‘who are you at all to even correct me’.

So when I was about getting to my destination, I informed the driver sitting right in front of me, but he said he hasn't heard me and sent me to the next bus stop before stopping. It was as if he was punishing me for trying to suggest the right things he ought to do on the road. And when I registered my displeasure, he called me a wizard with an angry face.

Some passengers who did not start the journey at the time the driver took over, vigorously supported him. It was an interesting exchange though and I realised how his ego won't allow him to accept his shortcomings. Or maybe I was too quick to point to him the wrong things he was doing. But I felt I was a passenger who paid for the services he was rendering and I deserved to be served as better.

However, when I spoke of the reckless way he was driving, he called me names with a degree in wizardry. May be I should have praised him to see what he might call me instead.

LESSON:

People are unhappy when they are being criticized or critiqued. People are uncomfortable when their ills are being exposed. But are quick to jump to praises or acknowledge those who cheer them. We may not like the naked truth when it is being rendered raw but let’s not relent in saying it as it is. Because if we fail to do this, then let us be ready to enjoy the fun of the ever cheerful sycophants, ‘yeye men’, bootlickers and the unending list of the cheerleaders will spun on us. 

We are drivers one way or the other so let us watch our temperance and our reaction to those who critique us. I think it is about time we thank those who critique us and put us on our toes.  

Caritas Ghana to intensify charity work

The Catholic Church in Ghana has pledged to intensify its charity work in the country through the Caritas Ghana brand it launched yesterday at the International Press Centre in Accra.

Bishop Mante being assisted by Fr. Afriyie to light the Candle
 

Most Rev. Gabriel A. A. Mante, President of Caritas Ghana, lighting a candle to symbolise the official launch of the new body, prayed that the light would symbolise the recreation and serve as a reminder of the Church’s commitment to shed sunshine on the darkness in governance, ineptitude in public services and opacity in public policies.

The Bishop noted that with the launch, the Church was taking her achievement to another level by establishing legal and institutional framework for her service of charity.

By adopting the Caritas as a global and credible brand, the Ghana Bishops’ Conference has taken steps to protect the Caritas trade and service mark in Ghana, which is now a legally recognised organisation for the Catholic Church in Ghana.

The prelate, who is Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, stated that the launch of Caritas Ghana, introduces significant changes in standard and quality of the social services that the Church has rendered to humanity over the years, in areas of health, education, livelihoods, relief and incomes.

Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Caritas Ghana, noted that the occasion was to “unveil the Catholic Church’s plans, structure and framework to respond more vigorously and zealously the challenges of Ghana’s development and public policy making, in the context of our faith conviction.”

He said by formalising its existence in Ghana, the Catholic Church signals to Government of Ghana and Development Partners, her readiness to domesticate and replicate the benefits of mutually rewarding partnership in the context of Ghana’s development needs.

According to the Executive Secretary and head of the Department of Human Development at the National Catholic Secretariat, the event was about partnership building and networking in the spirit of promoting effective development cooperation.

“This means the Church is adding and contributing to civil society activism in Ghana. It also means extending the opportunities and possibilities of existing cooperation for development to Ghana through Caritas,” he added.

Caritas Ghana, with the general theme and slogan: Good Works; Generosity, Sharing, has among other objectives the promotion of effective institutional structures and functioning of the church’s service of charity at National, Diocesan and Parish levels.

It will also promote the Catholic Church’s Socio-pastoral work as a means of expressing the Gospel message and the social doctrine of the Church to the world, and equally contribute to the enhancement of dignity of the human person; especially the poor and the marginalised. This will be attained through their direct empowerment and representation where they are excluded.

Caritas Ghana is also poised to consolidate the successes of the Catholic Church’s mission of charity and undertake social action research as a means to improve social-service delivery in the country.  

In a welcome address, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Abbey-Quaye, Assistant Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra, explained that Caritas Ghana “will be a new and innovative way by which the Church in Ghana will carry out the mission of service to charity.”

He stated that the new body will help people appreciate the remarkable work done by the Church and those yet to be done in terms of provision of social services to address the needs of the poor.

Bishop Mante with dignitaries at the launch

The Chairperson of the launch, Barrister Elizabeth Anderson-Yebuah, expressed the hope that Caritas Ghana will continue to support the cause of development.

Very Rev. Nicholas Afriyie, Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat, and staff as well as representatives from Catholic Relief Service, STAR-Ghana, UNHCR, European Union and the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam were in attendance.