Thomas Aquinas Education Fund makes strides

A section of the Beneficiaries

Managers of the St. Thomas Aquinas Education Assistance Fund, recently posted an inspiring report about the support it had advanced to needy but brilliant students within the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Cantonments in spite of inadequate funding.

In order to sustain the Fund, the Board of Trustees are examining plans and innovative strategies of fundraising activities to replenish it, so as to support more students.

So far, a total of 26 beneficiaries benefited from GHȼ 24, 550.00 bursaries disbursed since the inception of the Fund in October, 2013. In 2015, seven beneficiaries were awarded bursaries worth GHȼ 6,950.00, while nine beneficiaries received a total amount of GHȼ 8,700.00 in 2016; with another 10 beneficiaries accessing GHȼ 8, 900 this year.

Parishioners of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church, contributed to the Fund through the annual pledges and others. However, to augment the coffers of the Fund, a percentage of the Church’s 2016 harvest proceeds was used to support the fund, since the amount from pledge redemption was not much.

An 11-member Board of

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle with Board Trustees and some Beneficiaries

Trustees comprising the Parish Priests, the Parish Council (PC), the Youth and those with technical knowledge in education, administration and law was set up to oversee the management of the fund.

With the objective of supporting needy but brilliant students who face financial difficulties to continue their education, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church launched the Education Assistance Fund on Sunday, 16^th February 2014.

Through the Fund a lot of students were able to pursue their respective educational aspirations either at the Primary, Junior or Senior High Schools and at the Tertiary levels, from 2015 to 2017, with some beneficiaries completing the various levels of their education.

The disbursement of the 2017 coincided with the climax of the Pastoral visit of Most Rev. Charles G. Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Accra, on Sunday, 6^th of August, 2017, who urged the beneficiaries to study their books to justify the support they were receiving.

The current Board of Trustees has Rev. Fr. Benjamin Ohene, as the President, with Rev. Frs. David Andoh and Evans Halolo, as Vice Presidents; and Prof. Kojo Senah, as Chairman and Mr. Danso, as Vice Chairman. Other members are Mr. Frank Yankey, Legal Advisor; Mr. Adu Ameyaw - Financial Secretary and Mrs. Georgina Benyah, Secretary as well as Ms. Jessica Timbilla, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Emmanuel Dogodzi, Member. 

AWA support Centre of Hope

The HAINAN-AWA Foundation, the charity wing of the African World Airlines, recently donated more than GH₵ 3,000 and assorted items to the Centre of Hope at Abossay Okai, Accra.

The donation according to Madam Christabel Amegayibor, Head of Human Resource at AWA, was part of activities to commemorate the 5^th Anniversary of the operation of the airline in Ghana.

She said the gesture by the foundation which is support by the airline and through proceeds from appeals to passenger on the airline was to support the needy and the education of the marginalised.   

In all, the foundation presented five bags 25kilos of rice, 10 cartoons of biscuits, 2 cartoons of milk and Milo, a gallon of cooking oil, washing detergent, toys and books as well as 7 bags of used clothing.

The Mad. Amegayibor(R) presenting the Cheque Sr. Mwaakpaar

Madam Amegayibor, who recounted previous donations the foundation performed at the Osu Children’s Home and Frafraha Orphanage, expressed the hope that the gift would bring a smile on the faces of the Children.

A benefactress passenger Ms. Debbie Otong, who supported the foundation, urged the children to cheer up and take their studies seriously.

Present at the ceremony were some staff of the Africa World Airlines, the beneficiaries and some of their parents.

Rev. Sr. Colette Mwaakpaar, FMM, Administrator of the Centre who received the items, thanked the HAINAN-AWA foundation for the gesture and prayed replenish the amount spent. She said the donation came in handy and would go a long way to support the beneficiaries of the Centre.

As part of the brief ceremony, the beneficiaries recited poems, memory versus and songs to entertain the staff of the Africa World Airlines.

‘Make Judicious use of Oil Revenue’- FBOs demand

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Philip Naameh, recently joined leaders of major Faith Based Organisations in the country to advocate for the proper investment and utilization of the oil revenues to ensure quality development in Ghana.

In the face of the volatility of oil prices in the international market, the groups suggested the adoption of strategic investment measures of oil revenues generated, when oil prices on the market were good, and make prudent use of the revenues.

Participants also called for transparency in the administration of oil revenues as well as empowering the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to prosecute those defaulting in the proper use of the oil funds.

These suggestions were made during a Two-Day Engagement with Faith Based Groups (Christians and Muslims) and Roundtable Discussion on Oil Revenue Governance and Management at Abokobi in Accra.

The over 60 participants were drawn from the Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI), and National Catholic Secretariat (NCS). Other participants at the programme, were representatives of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (AMM), Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MAREDES), Faith in Ghana Platform, Caritas Ghana, as well as representative from the Ministries of Education, Roads and Highways, the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana National Gas Company, the Volta River Authority and Electricity Company of Ghana.

Fr.  Ebo Blay interacting with Archbishop Naameh &
Bishop Angkyier 

The President of GCBC and Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo, as well as other representative of the Muslim groups added their voices to the call to ensure that Ghana’s interest was served first in the administration of the oil revenue as well as ensure utilization of the revenues always inures to the benefit of the common good.  

Speakers at the two-day programme organised by PIAC in partnership with GOGIG and Caritas Ghana, included Mr. Samuel Bakoe, Resource Governance Consultant, GOGIG, and Mr. Mark Agyemang, and Mr. Denis Gyeyir both of PIAC Secretariat, as well as Dr. Ismael Ackah, Ministry of Planning.

The participants advised Government against the tendency of spreading the oil resources on many projects, and entreated the powers that be to use oil resources to support the even development of other sectors of the economy.

In support of this argument, Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Vice Chairman of PIAC and Mr. Samuel Bekoe, Consultant, GOGIG, noted the need to equally develop other sectors of the economy that contributes over 60 percent to GDP, in order to avoid contracting the ‘Dutch Disease’ in the country. Since oil resources is exhaustible, it was necessary to invest prudently to support the growth of other sectors, they reasoned.  

In this regard, Mr. Jantuah urged Government not to dissipate oil revenue on many ventures and advocated for cautious investment of the revenues in instruments with higher returns, since the oil resources would be depleted in some years to come.

Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Caritas Ghana and Member of PIAC, who moderated the programme, noted that the objective for the two-day meeting was to engage and inform participants on how the Government of Ghana managed its petroleum revenues in 2016 and other issues emanating from the PIAC 2016 report.

He said in recognition of the outreach potential of the Faith Groups in the country, the engagement sought to build their capacity to promote policy education and good governance, as well as provide a platform to debate the management of petroleum revenue in Ghana.

Participants at the two-day meeting

“The exercise also aims at helping Faith Groups to use their outreach potential to demand better governance of oil revenues in the country and further educate their constituents” he noted.      

There were presentations on the Petroleum Resource Management Policy, Practice and Lessons; The Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (Act 919); Highlights of PIAC’s 2016 Annual Report; VRA’s Indebtedness to Ghana National Gas Company and ABFA Utilization and its impacts on Citizens.

The Faith based groups called for the empowerment of PIAC to prosecute people defaulting in the judicious use of oil funds committed to projects in the country.

Operation Walk ends second surgeries

Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa (M) with dignitaries

Scores of patients have benefited from operation and corrective surgeries offered by a team of voluntary medics with the Operation Walk Syracuse, New York, United States of America, and their Ghanaian counterparts at the St. Joseph Hospital at Effiduase, Koforidua.

The weeklong programme, the second of its kind by the group and in partnership with the Gentle Giants, importers of Vita Milk and the Child Health Malnutrition Foundation, and the St. Joseph Hospital, was to offer relief to selected patients throughout the country, suffering from knee and hip disorders.

In all, 65 procedures were performed on a total of 60 patient beneficiaries, most of whom are now able to walk with little or no support.

Dr. Kimberley Murray, leader of the 43-member team of Operation Walk, commended the hospital staff, the Koforidua Catholic Health Service and the Child Malnutrition Foundation as well as the all stakeholders for their various roles that ensured the success of the operation.

She expressed the hope of continuity and strengthening of partnership to offer more support many more patients in future.

Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa, Chairman of the Board of the Child Health Malnutrition Foundation, said to ensure fair regional representation of beneficiaries, the team in conjunction with local partners screened, accessed and selected the cases prior to their arrival.

In the process, hundreds of Ghanaians from all the 10 regions, suffering from hip and knee disorders were screened, with those in need of the surgeries selected.

The former Director General of the Ghana Health Service noted that the cost of hip and knee surgeries was over GH₵ 25,000, but free under the programme, noted that patients were charged an agreed fee of GH₵ 2,000 to help offset of the minor cost that the St. Joseph Facilities, might incur since the facility could not could not conduct elective surgeries due to the programme.

Sharing the testimonies of some beneficiaries, Prof Agyemang-Badu, said it was encouraging hearing the impact the programme was making in the lives of those who practically had no hope of walking again, being able to walk now with the corrective surgeries at highly subsidized cost.

Prof Agyemang-Badu commenting on allegation leveled against the Hospital for extorting monies from the patients in the first edition of programme, last year debunked the accusation and noted that the findings of an independent Committee set up by the Ministry of Health to look into the allegation had exonerated the Hospital from any wrong doing.

Mr. Victus K. Kpesese, Executive Secretary of Koforidua Catholic Health Service, thanked the team of volunteer medics for their efforts to give relief to patients in Ghana, and expressed the hope that the programme would be sustained into the future.

He expressed optimism that the programme could be extended to at least twice a year to enable the team ample time to perform more surgeries and help ease the pain and suffering of many patients.

Similarly, Mr. Valentine Bruku, Administrator of the St. Joseph Hospital, voiced his gratitude to the team for sparing their time to embark on the project at the hospital for the second time and also commended the Gentle Giants and Child Health Nutrition Foundation for conceiving the laudable idea to help relieve the pains of patients in the country.

The team which had since left, also organised a training symposium for some staff of the Hospital to update and sharpen their skills.

Earlier, the team called on Rev. Msgr. Francis Tswum-Baarimah, Vicar General of the Koforidua Diocese. 

Integral Dev’t key to Church’s mission

The Participants at the Workshop

The Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS), Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, has underscored the critical role of integral development of the human person in the Church’s mission.

“As a Church we do not only hold the Bible and preach, but we also look at the integral development of the human person for their salvation” he noted, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together to make the integral development of the human person a sustainable venture.

He made these remarks recently during a two-day brainstorming workshop at the Samaritan Villa in Kumasi, which brought together stakeholders including the Diocesan Development Officers (DDOs), representing the various Dioceses in Ghana, as well as representative of Caritas Ghana, the Justice and Peace Commissions and the Social Economic Department at the NCS.

The Christian Mothers Association, and representatives of Superior Mothers and the Federation of Muslim Women Association, Ghana (FOMWAG) participated in the deliberation to formulate the new Medium Term Programme Critical Pathways.  

The thematic sectors highlighted in the process of formulating the Medium Term Programme Critical Pathways (MTPCP II), successor to the MTPCP I: 2012-2016, includes education, socio-economic, health, environmental preservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

MTPCP II among other things aims at consolidating the gains made in the previous plans of Caritas Ghana, as well as ensure a collective sense of ownership of projects, which could enhance the implementation of the new programme.

Fr. Anondee commended the participants for making time to attend the workshop, adding that the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference was interested in working together with stakeholders to promote the attainment of inclusive development for everyone.

The Secretary General pledged working on the concerns raised on the need to ensure adequate funding and ownership of MTPCP II, as well as report to the Bishops’ Conference for appropriate action to be taken.

In assuring participants of the Conference’s support, Fr. Anondee also observed that the “planning exercise is the beginning of greater things to happen.” 

According to Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Department of Human Development/ Caritas Ghana, the workshop which reviewed the strides of the previous medium term plans, sought new direction in effecting the Church’s charity work in coming years.

The Secretary General addressing the particiants

He said the workshop would be guided by the Pope’s call for “no one be left behind” in the mandate of the Church’s charity work, and the global context of Sustainable Development Goals in their deliberation and formulation of the new Medium Term programme.

While thanking the Secretary General for attending the meeting, he expressed optimism that the participatory nature of the planning process would help bring out suggestions that would contribute in shaping a more inclusive MTPCP II.

Participants keenly took interest in the planning process facilitated by Mr. Chris Bakaweri and Mr. Vitus Adaboo Azeem, both Consultants of the MTPCP II.

Among some of the strategic objectives under the MTPCP II Strategy Framework, were to provide support for good Governance, Democracy and Rule of Law; to improve livelihoods incomes and climate resilience for the poor; to promote effective delivery of social services and youth self-employment and empowerment.

Other strategic areas comprised strengthening emergency and crisis response, and the promotion of Justice and Peace among people and in our society.   

Similarly, Mr Azeem, led participants through the rudiments of advocacy plaining process, and the steps of executing the advocacy plan, in order to make the attainment of the strategic themes of MTPCP II achievable.

Participants who largely agreed on ensuring continuity of the programme strongly touched on the need to ensure sustainable means of resource mobilization for the success and continuity of the Church’s charity work in Ghana.

The Medium Term Programme Critical Pathways is a carefully planned programme that provide the broad framework towards achieving the objective to ensure integral human development.

It also seeks to be a blueprint of working together internally, and a basis for networking and external engagement with partners, stakeholders, as well as serve as a guide for resource mobilization for the execution of projects.

The MTPCP II is expected to be ready by the end of the year.

Arnold Janssen Spirituality Centre commissioned

The Spirituality Centre

Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has commissioned the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Centre at Tuba, as a place to help deepen the faith and spiritual needs of the faithful in the Archdiocese and beyond.

The Commissioning which coincided with the 10^th Anniversary of the Divine Word Catholic Church at Tuba in the Archdiocese of Accra.

The Archbishop who preceded over the thanksgiving Mass, charged Christians to act with love and be prayerful.

He charged Christians not to follow the world, but lead worthy lives, since God would hold us responsible.

The Archbishop blessing the Centre

The Archbishop reechoed Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Romans (Rom.13:8-10), “Owe nothing to anyone, excerpt love for one another…,” urging Christians to do the right things out of love.

“When correcting something or somebody, do it out of love” he stressed.

In urging husbands and wives to pray together, he charged families, and workers to also pray together before the start of day or work, since it helps us stay united. “We Christians must constantly watch and pray,” he added.

The Archbishop commenting on the unhealthy polarization of everything in the country and the tagging of people along political party line in every national discourse was unwholesome.

After 60 years of independence, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle urged Ghanaians to rather work together to advance the growth of the country.

He likened the task of nation building to a man walking, who takes one step after the other, entreating all to help in the forward march of Ghana, through prayer to arouse a greater love for country at all times.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle urged Ghanaians particularly Christians to endeavour to do the right things to ensure accelerated growth and development.

The Archbishop who blessed the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Centre (AJSC) at the upper part of the compound which houses the Divine Word Church and the Rectory, commended the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) for starting the Centre and the Community.

He thanked Very Rev. Fr. John Straathof, SVD, a concelebrant at the Mass who started the project and all the pioneers and collaborators for their various contributions to the growth of the Church over the past decade.

Very Rev. Fr. George Angmor, SVD, Provincial Superior of the SVD in Ghana, Liberia, recounted the beginnings of Spirituality Centre and Divine Word Catholic Community, through the instrumentality of the Fr. Straathof, then Parish Priest of St. Margret Mary Parish at Dansoman.

With the support of the Mr. Stephen Fianu the SVD’s in 2006 acquired a piece of land at Tuba and secured it with a low wall. After this move, the Catholic Community started gathering on the land for worship, among them were Mr. Fianu and family, Mrs Grace Addai, Mr Sabastian Parku and family, Mr Alabi and family Mr. Chris Feruta and family as well as Mrs Margret Atieku, and others.

Inspired by their community’s commitment then SVD Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel E. Kumordji, SVD, (now Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese) said the first holy Mass on Accession Sunday, May 20, 2007.

The Church witnessed its first Baptism in 2009 and in April that year had its first confirmation during the pastoral visit of the Archbishop.

In 2010, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mezur, SVD was appointed the Director to the Spirituality Centre, who was transferred was transferred to SVD mission in Liberia. He was replaced by Rev. Fr. Stephen Dogodzi,   

Rev. Fr. Stephen Dogodzi, the outgoing Priest-in-charge of the Church, in a welcome address commended the pioneers for their commitment and support in developing the Church.

He described the Church as having a serene environment that enhances meditation and spiritual growth of Catholic faithful, who he encouraged to patronize the Spirituality Centre by making time to visit the Centre in order to enrich their spiritual growth. efforts and support to make the dream come through.

Rev. Fr. Andrews Obeng who is the new Director of the Spirituality Centre, replaces Fr. Dogodzi who is now Provincial Secretary of the SVD.

As part of the anniversary, 13 members of the Community including Fr. Straathof were awarded for their various roles in supporting the growth of the Church.

CHAG Launches Golden Jubilee

The Dignitaries at the launch

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has launched its Golden Jubilee Anniversary, amidst calls for all stakeholders to uphold the Church-State partnership and strengthen growth and development of Ghana’s health sector.

Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference who made the call, enumerated some challenges CHAG facilities were facing, and asked Government and Ghanaians to take a critical look at the financial sustainability of CHAG health services in the interest and viability of Ghana Health System.

In its 50-year existence, Archbishop Naameh, noted that CHAG has facilitated equitable access to health care, by the poor, needy, marginalized, neglected and vulnerable segments of the society.         

Touching on the theme for the jubilee: “50 years of Christian Health Service Delivery; improving and sustaining innovations,” the Archbishop, who doubles as the Archbishop of Tamale, stated that through the modest contributions of CHAG, many lives and livelihoods have been restored.

He said CHAG as the second largest provider of Health Service in Ghana, with about 30-35% share of health service output, pioneered and piloted 40 Community Based Insurance Schemes, in the 1990s that culminated into Ghana’s National Health Scheme in 2004.  

“In crisis situations, we serve as buffers and resilience to the health system; our non-strike tradition under all circumstances has immeasurably supported and strengthened our county’s health system against shocks and perineal challenges” he stated.

Archbishop Naameh paid glowing tributes to the owners of CHAG, the Government for their collaboration over the years and the missionaries for their invaluable role, as well as commended all CHAG frontline staff for their dedication and commitment. He also applauded the efforts of the development partners and the stakeholders for their support.

He however challenged the CHAG staff to reflect on the mission to serve humanity with dedication and fidelity, in order to sustain the delivery of quality health care to all. 

Dame Dr. Mrs. Agatha Akua Bonney, Chairperson of CHAG Board, who chaired the function remarked that the occasion was a historic one which celebrates quality Christian health delivery to Ghanaians and others in neighbouring countries.

Acknowledging the fruits of collaborative support, sacrifices of people, who contributed in CHAG’s milestone, she noted that the association should in the next 50 years be dynamic and poise for action and innovation.

She noted that CHAG must seek to reposition herself to be relevant in the healing ministry and in anchoring the hopes of health seekers and all stakeholders to access improved and sustainable quality, accessible and affordable health care.

Archbishop Philip Naameh being assisted to cut the tape

The Executive Director of CHAG, Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, who recounted that the Association was formed in 1967 as a formal collaborative network of the Christian Missionaries in Health care.

“Today, through a network of 302 Health Facilities and Health Training Institutions, CHAG continues to serve as a reliable partner in Ghana’s health sector.”

Mr. Yeboah commended the Church leaders and founding fathers for forging a Christian Health Service dedicated to promoting ethical healthcare and holistic formation of health workers. He thanked Government and all stakeholders, including the Board members for their diverse contribution to CHAG’s growth and development.

He announced that the Golden Jubilee celebrations, which would be climaxed early November 2017 would take place across, districts and various communities of Ghana.

CHAG Golden Jubilee House

In a solidarity message Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana, entreated CHAG not to limit the celebration to the office based on or a religious entertainment but must involve the Church and Ghanaians, while extolling the achievement of CHAG.

Faced with dwindling donor funds and other financial constraints, Dr. Opuni-Frimpong charged Ghanaian Christians to be prepared to support the sustenance and development of the Christian Health service in Ghana.

He tasked CHAG facilities to be uphold their unique Christian identity, and strengthen quality assurance in the quality delivery healthcare.

Among dignitaries’ present was Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Bishop of Ho and the Episcopal Chairman for Health who together with others unveiled the Golden Jubilee anniversary cloth.

As part of the Anniversary, the newly refurbished Golden Jubilee building at the Secretariat was commissioned by Archbishop Naameh and the dignitaries at the launch.

Some dignitaries displaying the anniversary cloth

Old Toms’ honour Fr. Batsa

Members of the 2002-year group of the St. Thomas Aquinas Old Students (Old Toms), have recently honoured Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Kofi Batsa, at a thanksgiving Mass at the St. John the Evangelist Church, Adentan in the Accra Archdiocese.

Fr. Batsa at the reception

At the Mass, presided over by Fr. Batsa, a former Headmaster of the St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School at Cantonments, Accra, the Old Toms presented citation, cassock and vestment for their former headmaster.

Mr. Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah, the School Prefect at the time, presented a citation of behalf of the group to their headmaster, and extolled the dedication and commitment of Fr. Batsa who imparted positively in their lives, and prepared them to take up roles in serving mother Ghana and several organisations in other countries.

Mr. Martin Akowah, President of the year group, explaining the rationale behind the programme, noted that it was important to celebrate their headmaster who gave them quality formation between 2000 and 2002 and for instilling in them lasting values.

He stated that the group members decided to say thank you to Fr. Batsa, while he was still alive, and not wait till he passes on to celebrate his deeds, as was the case of their two former assistant headmasters. He also entreated the old students to support the join forces with the Old Toms to give back to the School.

The homeliest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Appiasi, a former student of Fr. Batsa at the Pope John Secondary School at Koforidua, entreated Christians to reflect daily on who Jesus Christ was to them and live his values.

The Old Toms who actively participated at the Mass also presented offertory gifts, and had lunch with Fr. Batsa, the concelebrant as well as some faithful of the Church.

During the lunch, Mr. Akowah presented a portrait painting of the celebrant, as well as a tablet and an undisclosed amount to Fr Batsa.

The Old Toms cheering Fr Batsa

An overwhelmed Fr. Batsa thanked the students for the honour done him, and commended the organisers for their efforts in honoring him. He recounted fond memories of his 18-year stay at the school, urging them to uphold the values they learned and keep up the good works.

At the reception was Rev. Fr. John Benyah Mensah, the Parish Priest of the St. John the Evangelist Church, who is also an alumnus of the St. Thomas Aquinas School, who thanked the organisers in honouring  Fr. Batsa.  

Fr. Batsa had served his due to the Church and mother Ghana through his long dedicated to the formation of many Ghanaians as a teacher at the Pope John Secondary School, Koforidua; Achimota Secondary School, St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary, Cantoments among others.

Some of the old students recounted the discipline he instilled in them and the value of being truthful and honest at all times and in all things, which they agreed has helped them in their various professional endeavours.

  

Renowned Musician honoured

Mr Sackey at the Organ with Young Choral on stage

A concert was recently organised in honour of Mr. Raphael Anthony Sackey, a renowned Composer, Director of Music Haven and Music Educationist, to celebrate his contribution to the enrichment of music in liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church and many Churches for the past 40 years.

The Concert dubbed: Celebration Time, and staged at the Assembly Hall of the Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School at Tema, Community 2, attracted over 10 Choirs from various Churches within the Tema Metropolis, as well as hundreds of music lovers.

The occasion coincided with the 5^th Anniversary of the formation of Young Chorale, an inter-denominational choir at Tema, which organised the event.

According to Mr. George Kwame Edzie, Founder and Director of group, the concert was to celebrate Mr. Sackey, who he described as sharing in the philosophy and passion of the music ministry.

The Yong Chorale, and Mrs. Alice P. Sackey (wife of the celebrant) presented citations to Mr. Sackey for all his immeasurable contributions to the animation and growth of music as well as the training of other musicians in the art of music.

There were piano recitals by Mr. Sackey and three of his students at the ceremony, which drew loud applause from the audiences.

Earlier, Messrs. Kweku Haizeil; Augustine Sobeng and Joseph Maxwell Ossei-Little, also took turns to display their talents at the Three Manuel Electronic Organ to play a collection of tunes in honour of Mr. Sackey.

Among the collections played included Back Prelude (BWV553) and Tuba Tune by C.S. Lang; Fugue in G-Major and Fugue in G-Minor by J.S. Bach (BWV 578), as well as the Festive Trumpet Tune by David German and Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke.

Similarly, St. Johns Choir and the St. Joseph the Worker Choir at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Tema Community 8; with the Jubilee Youth Choir, and the Good Shepherd Choir from the Good Shepherd Parish Tema, Com. 2 were in attendance.

The Heaven Jewels Singing Band; Star of the Sea Choir from Takoradi were among a lot of Choirs who performed lively repertoires of songs at the function.

Mr. Sackey later played the organ to accompany the performance staged by the Young Chorale, under the baton of Mr. Edzie, to sing selected G.F. Handel pieces comprising And the Glory, And He Shall Purify and His York is Easy to the admiration of the gathering.

Born in a family of musicians in the 60’s at Sekondi in the Western Region, Mr. Sackey developed love for music, after he was introduced to the piano by his mother (late Mrs. Cecilia Sackey) at age 8. By age 12, Mr Sackey was already a full-fledged organist performing during Mass and other functions.

He has by far taught and worked with over a dozen Choirs and singing band in the Western, and Greater Accra (Tema Metropolis) Regions for more than 40 years.

Mr. Sackey, a product of the St. Mary’s Minor Seminary and Secondary School, Apowa, attended Takoradi Polytechnic, then Institute of Professional Studies and the University of Ghana. He holds an M. Phil. in Music and is a Cambridge University International Examiner in Music and International Baccalaureate Diploma Examination Moderator in Music.

With the honour of preparing hundreds of students for external Music examination over the years, the celebrant, who is currently a Doctoral Student in Business Administration, hinted of plans to establish school to promote the study of sacred music in the Church and society at large.

He believes that music, which enlivens liturgical celebrations and edifies the soul should be encouraged and stimulated in our daily lives.   

In recognition of Mr. Sackey’s enormous contributions to music in the liturgy, Pope Benedict IV honoured him with a Papal Award on 25^th December 2008, which then Archbishop Leon B. Kalenga presented to him in May 2010.

Among dignitaries at the function was Very Rev. Fr. Dr. John K. Louis, a former Administrator of the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, who said the opening prayer.

Mr Sackey with the citation flanked by Mr. Edzie and others.

Fr Cletus Forson marks Silver Jubilee

Scores of Priests, Religious, relatives and well-wishers recently attended a thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the silver jubilee Anniversary of the Priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Dr. Cletus M. Kwame Forson, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Adentan in the Archdiocese of Accra.

Fr Forson, a Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies and Priest-in-charge of the Church was ordained a Priest at Akatsi in then Keta-Ho Diocese on 18^th July 1992.

Preaching the homily, Fr. Appiah who thanked God for the life of Fr. Forson, his parents, relatives and teachers, urged Christians to exercise patience and hasten slowly like God, who allows the weeds planted by the wicked one to grow alongside the good one until the harvest time.

While noting that “Every anniversary is a story,” the homilist explained that anniversaries were an act of thanksgiving to God for all He has done in the lives of an individual or the celebrant.

Fr. Appiah, who recalled some childhood memories of the celebrant, stated that celebrations are happy moments and cause of joy.

He described the celebrants as an opened-person, who is reconciliatory in nature and very understanding.

Concelebrants at the well-attended Mass were Rev. Msgr. Peter Huletey, Vicar General of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese; Rev. Msgr. Vincent Antie, Rector of the Jasikan Diocesan Pastoral Counselling Centre at Nsuta-Buem; as well as Very Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah, Lecture at the University of Cape Coast.

Others Priests included Very Rev. Frs. Michael E. Gbordzor and John Odzamgba, Principal of the Comboni Technical School and Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish at Sogakofe respectively.

In a congratulatory remark, Rev. Msgr. Huletey described Fr. Forson as a Priest “open to goodness and close to evil, urging him to keep it up. He prayed for more glorious years in the priestly ministry of Fr. Forson.  

Fr. Joseph Donkor on behalf of the Buem Priests congratulated Fr Cletus on the occasion and urged him to forged ahead in the Lord who called him to his Priestly ministry.

Similarly, Prof. Albert Puni, Dean of Management Studies at the University of Professional Studies, in a remark commended Fr Forson, whom he referred to as an astute lecturer, for his enormous contributions to development of Ghana and the Church.  

Some chiefs and a queen mother as well as Mr. Kofi Adams, the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, were among dignitaries who graced the occasion.

At part of the anniversary Fr. Forson’s relative presented a cheque of GH ₵ 3, 000 and vested him with a new vestment and a kente cloth, while the various societies in the Church presented him numerous gifts.

Mr. Raymond Danso, Chairman of the Church Pastoral Council, presenting a citation to Fr. Forson, commended him for the changes and work done within the four months he had been in-charge of the Church. 

“Though, we have been together for barely four months, we have come to love and accept you as our father, brother, priest and friend” the citation captured.

An elated Fr. Forson, thanked his grandparents, parents and relations for the care and support given him throughout his formative years at Tetema-Buem. He also thanked all for contributed to his priestly ministry.

‘Don’t take us for granted’-CHAG cautions

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has called on government not to take for granted the services member facilities of the Association were rendering a large segment of Ghanaians in the rural area.

As provider of over 40 percent of health care in the country, the new Chairperson of the CHAG Board has entreated government as a matter of urgency expedite repayment of the debts owed CHAG Facilities by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Dame Dr. Agatha Ekua Bonney, the CHAG Board Chairperson made the appeal to government interview, highlighting the serious threat the indebtedness was posing to health care provision in rural areas and in the entire country.

She narrated the huge pressure on facilities to pay their suppliers and the shortage of critical medical consumables to help sustain the delivery of health care to Ghanaian.

She described the huge debts of over 13 months as severely hampering the delivery of quality healthcare and demoralizing genuine efforts of many CHAG Facilities dotted around remote areas to provide quality health care.

Dame Dr. Akua Bonney strongly appealed to the Government to as a matter of urgency consider settling the indebtedness of NHIA and ensure the immediate reimbursement to the health facilities for services they were rendering.

She expressed the desire of the Association to continue to dialogue with the government to ensure the settlement of the debts owed its member facilities, while pledging CHAG’s commitment to work with other stakeholders to find lasting solution and sustainable means of funding health care in Ghana. 

“As a Christian association we are unable to lay down our tools due to our principles of compassion to the patient, even though our facilities are really suffering” she echoed, appealing to the Government to consider their plight and ensure that payment were made to save the health facilities from collapsing.      

Funding NHIS

To ensure NHIS is not starved of cash, the CHAG Board Chairperson suggested that NHIS Fund be decoupled from the consolidated fund and used solely for what it was established for.

Given the challenge of the huge indebtedness to health facilities, she observed that ensuring sustainable health funding was paramount, to the delivery of quality health care, which is critical to Ghana’s development.   

Dame Dr. Ekua Bonney, stated that CHAG which started the pilot of project of the health insurance at Nkoranza in the 90s is very much interested in its sustenance, but said if the NHIS were properly managed it would not be facing the challenges it was facing.

“Make NHIS fund work solely as it was set up,” she stressed. 

Vision

The Chairperson said the New Board would work in line with the vision of the founding fathers and ensure that CHAG and its member facilities become the best quality health care delivery centres throughout the country.

Under their three-year mandate, the Chairperson noted that the Board would prioritize patient care and satisfaction in the delivery of quality health care at throughout CHAG member facilities in the country.

She explained further that appropriate patient care and customer satisfaction were a prerequisite in the process of giving holistic healthcare delivery.

As CHAG marks its Golden Jubilee this year, Dame Dr. Ekua Bonney said the association would introduce strategies to improve and uphold high standards of holistic health care to the patient, which includes strengthening staff orientation on the new trends in patient care and customer satisfaction at all levels.

Faced with the hurdle of dwindling donor funds, huge debt of NHIS to facilities and a commitment to continue the provision of quality healthcare delivery; Mr. Sam Sarpong Appiah, Vice Chairperson, shared the vision of the Board to pursue mobilization of fund locally to augment other sources of funds.

He therefore called for a change in mentality and attitude in order to mobilize funds locally to aid the continuous operation of the health facilities in the country.

The Vice Chairperson said the Board vigorously promote prudent financial management regimes of funds and encourage close working relations between facilities and communities in which they operate in to rally support for their growth. 

Poor and sick fund  

In spite of the financial constraints, the Chairperson and the Vice reiterated the fact that most CHAG facilities were doing their best to assist patient meet the cost of treatment through the Poor and Sick Fund they established.

The Board Chairperson pledged CHAG’s committed to continue providing holistic health care delivering, which will offer spiritual, mental and emotional health care that hinges on the tenets of respect for patient’s dignity, and concern for the health needs of clients in a Christ like manner.

New Board members

Among the 16-member Board of CHAG chaired by Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney, assisted by Mr. Sam Sarpong Appiah; as well as Dr. Yao Yeboah; Alex Kofi Osei Owusu, ESQ.; Mr Osei Yaw Asamoa; Mr. Mauurice Adu-Amankwah; and Mr Julius Wellens-Mensah.

Others are Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, Executive Director of CHAG; Dr. Elias K. Sory; Joseph A. Aryitey, ESQ.; GEAORGE A. Adjei, ESQ.; Ms. Margaret Mary Alacoque Dapilah, and Dr. Frederick E.M. Kustsienyo, as well as Mr. Lawrence Ofosu Adjare; Mr Enoch Osafo, and Presbyter Jonas Gershon Dzodzodzi.