NCHS celebrates Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum

The thunderous applauds by dignitaries and participants signified the cheerful approval of Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum’s steadfast commitment and remarkable service to the advancement of the National Catholic Health Service (NCHS).

As Bishop responsible for Health, for the past seven years, he undertook several initiatives and championed efforts to improve quality and affordable healthcare delivery to Ghanaians.

For his efforts, the NCHS honoured him with a plaque and a gift, at the just ended 15^th Annual Conference held at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo-Region.

The prelate, who also heads the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, worked tirelessly to promote and advance the work of the NCHS in many areas.

According to Mr. George A. Adjei, Director of the NCHS, the Bishop did a lot to improve the work of the NCHS in the past seven years he served as Bishop Responsible for Health.

He commended him for his efforts in visiting many NCHS facilities in some parts of the country, and expressed gratitude to him for his willingness to promote health delivery in the country.

Similarly, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, new Episcopal Chairman for Health, extolled Bishop Afrifah Agyekum for his support and dedication to the growth of NCHS for the past seven years.

Bishop Fianu acknowledged his predecessor for his work in health care delivery and “also for agreeing to a slow handover process of this portfolio”.

In a valedictory remark, Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum reminisced moments when he was first appointed the Episcopal Chairman for Health, by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), stating that “I thought I was in a wonderland.”

But after seven years he noted that “it has been both eventful and a rare experience” and thanked the frontline staff of NCHS, working in remote areas, for braving the odds to work and making the best out of difficult situations.

During his tenure, the Prelate paid a duty tour of NCHS facilities in nine Arch/Dioceses and observed the limited resources at the disposal of health facilities and the circumstances some of the staff were working under. “The learning experience is so phenomenal” he said. 

Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum who doubles as the Bishop of Koforidua commended the Director of the Directorate of Health at the NCHS and his team, Members of the Medical Ethics Commission, past and present members’ representative of the Bishops’ Conference on the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) Board, the Health Service Managers. “You were my Teachers and you guided me throughout my tenure” he observed.     

He entreated his successor to ensure the continuity of initiatives such as the Pool Procurement Programme, started in 2011 and the sustenance of the Catholic Medicines Centre at the National Catholic Secretariat, as well as the improvement in the management of NCHS facilities throughout the country.

He urged the NCHS to develop and register as a Trust with its own governance body that reports to the GCBC, which will enable the centralization of some major policies, so that with the approval of the Conference decisions and policies will become binding on all NCHS facilities in the country.

The registration of NCHS as a Trust, will “promote our unity and get our managers to comply with decisions and directives of the Conference” Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum argued.

Whilst pledging his resolute support to the work of the NCHS, the immediate past Bishop Responsible for Health expressed appreciation to all those who hosted them during their visits to NCHS facilities in the nine Arch/Dioceses.

Dr. Akrofi-Mantey, others honoured

The National Catholic Health Service (NCHS) has recognised Dr. Ebenezer Akrofi-Mantey, Principal Medical Officer at the St. Joseph Hospital, Effiduase, Koforidua in the Eastern Region, for his long outstanding service to humanity.

The award was conferred on him as the Best Worker, Senior Category at the 15^th NCHS Annual Conference at Sunyani, alongside others, for his dedicated service to NCHS for the past 26 years.

Born in 1956, Dr. Akrofi-Mantey completed the University of Ghana Medical School, Legon with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB. ChB) Degree in 1987.

He was first appointed to the Effia-Nkwanta Government Hospital, Takoradi, as Medical Officer between 1989 and 1991, after successfully completing an internship at the Paediatrics and Surgery Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital between 1987 and 1988.

With an aura of simplicity and simplicity, awardee was noted for his dutiful and enthusiastic service at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surgical and Casualty Departments of the Effia- Nkwanta Regional Hospital, with exceptional selflessness.

He was nicknamed ‘One-man Station’ during his seven years work as the Medical Officer in-charge (1991-1998) at the Fr. Alan Rooney Memorial Hospital at Asankragwa; where he was reputed to have discharged responsibilities of leading general administration, performed basic general surgeries and obstetric and gynaecological procedures.

Dr. Akrofi-Mantey, also served as a Senior and later as Principal Medical Officer at the St. Joseph Hospital, Koforidua with a great sense of volunteerism, he took relieving duties in affiliate facilities of the St. John of God Brothers in Africa.

To this end, he offered a three-month medical assistance at the St. John of God Hospital, Nguti, Cameroun in 2001, and also served at the St. John of God Hospital, Sefwi-Asafo.

The Awardee trained at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in 2004, where he earned a Master of Tropical Paediatrics and was also awarded a certificate in the World Health Organisation course management of malnutrition in hospitals.

His strong leadership skills transformed and developed the newly established Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit at the St. Joseph Hospital during he served as the Medical Superintendent at the St. Joseph Hospital from 2008 and 2015.

As a professional who dedication offers inspiration for sustainability of health care delivery, he was adjudged the Best Senior (2016) at the St. Joseph Hospital and the Best Koforidua Diocesan Staff, Senior Category Excellence Award in February 2017.

Likewise, Mr. Jude Napaala, an Anaesthesia Assistant, who has worked with the NCHS for the past 17 years was adjudged the Best Worker, Junior Staff Category, for his dedicated services.

He was first employed as a Night Watchman at the Fr. Thomas Alan Rooney Memorial Hospital, Asankragwa in 2000 and by dint of hard work, management appointed him a Hospital Orderly in 2002. 

With unwavering commitment to duty, Management again upgraded his position to Health Assistant/Senior Health Assistant in 2004 and 2010 respectively.

In recognition of discipline, honesty and passion to work, the Hospital Management approved of your readiness to train as Anaesthetists in 2010 when there was shortage of Anaesthetists at the facility.

He is on record to have distinguished himself in his training and for assisting in the performance of 568 procedures in 2012, including laparotomies, caesarian sections and hernias.

The NCHS also awarded Dr. Felix Ahorsu, Eye Specialist and Medical Superintendent at the St. Patrick Hospital at Offinso in the Ashanti Region for his dedicated and meritorious service in the healthcare delivery.

A voluntary blood donor, Mr. John Degraft Daiden who had donated blood since 1977 was also honoured for his dedication in saving lives at the Conference.  

‘Take Patients’ safety seriously’

Health care providers in the country were entreated to ensure safety of patients at all times by observing health safety regulation in the discharge of their duties.

Bishop Fianu

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Episcopal Chairman for Health at the National Catholic Secretariat, urged health managers and workers, particularly those within the National Catholic Health Service (NCHS) to exercise circumspection in their work to prevent causing harm to patient seeking healthcare.

In order to reduce and avoid the incidence of injury and death of patients in the course of treatment, Bishop Fianu who doubles as the Catholic Bishop of Ho, noted that “any health system that fails to take its regulation seriously is headed for patient safety compromises, including irreparable harm and loss of life, which society will not accept”.

The Bishop made the call at the opening of the 15^th Annual Conference of the National Catholic Heath Service at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region, on the theme: “Policy and Regulations on Patient Safety in Ghana-Current and Future Outlook”.

He noted that regulation may be simple protocols of dos and don’ts of workplace and service delivery, and may be complex mechanisms for explaining diagnostic results among others.

He observed that that the importance of regulations which could be a source of promoting good practice, assures patients, who entrusts their whole being to the care of another in the hope that an intervention will not harm them.

In calling on policy makers to ensure even application of rules irrespective of ownership of health facilities, Bishop Fianu, stressed the need for effective supervision and monitoring to ensure that health workers complied with the rules governing their work.

The Bishop advised the Ministry of Health to rope in more health sector workers under the various councils or laws, in order to effectively regulate the activities of those health workers who fall outside the remits of the rules for health workers.

In a remark, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani, who chaired the opening, observed that patient safety was crucial in the healthcare system, urging Health Providers to ensure the safety of unborn babies.

He entreated health workers to be diligent in the provision of patient safety, since the patient were becoming aware of their rights in the area of health care.

He said the era where nurses looked on unconcerned when patients visited their facilities, whilst they were on busy with their mobile phones ‘whatsapping’ and chatting with friends was over, calling for more supervision to curtail these trend.

Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), noted that with the commitment of the country in universal health coverage, national health insurance system and community health planning and services, there was the need for a robust and responsive patient safety oversight system at both policy and regulatory levels. 

He said Policy and regulation on patient safety in Ghana constituted a call to action to improve the quality of clinical care and strengthening the performance of health system.

He stated that “safe and quality healthcare delivery can be guaranteed when the right health commodities, in the right quantities, in the right condition are delivered to the right place at the right time for the right cost.”

Similarly, Rev. Msgr. George Kwame Kumi, Vicar General of Sunyani Diocese urged health providers to give serious attention to patient safety, stating that statistics about patients who suffer injury during the cause of receiving treatment were frightening and disturbing.

He called for the fixing of CCTV cameras in all facilities and behavioral change among health practitioners to ensure reduction in the incidence, adding that the disregard of patients’ safety has fatal consequences for both the healthcare provider and the clients.

Also, the immediate past Episcopal Chairman for Health, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum Immediate Past Bishop commended the current Government for making efforts to pay part of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) indebtedness to health facilities, urging it to expedite action to settle the remaining debts.

He expressed the hope that the Church will make strong input, in the event of re-introduction of the Capitation policy so that the NCHS Clinics operating in the hard to access areas were not short changed in the process.

In his address, Mr George A. Adjei, Esq., Director of the NCHS, noted that they were strategising to create centers of excellence to leverage on technology in health service delivery.

To this end, he observed that the NCHS was nurturing opportunities for using telemedicine and information technological tools to improve health care delivery in the country.

He also announced that the service would soon constitute a National Advisory Body on Biomedical Engineering Services and another on Waste Management to undertake assessment of basic and essential equipment in use at the various NCHS facilities in the country and advice on what policy should be in place.

Whilst commending St. Patrick and St. John of God Hospitals at Offinso and Sewi-Asafo respectively for their exceptional performance on the Pool Procurement Programme, the Director reported that the programme detected some counterfeit drugs which had since been withdrawn from the system and the suppliers blacklisted.

Mr. Martin Obeng, DCE of Sunyani West District commended the Catholic Church for its role in the provision of health and Education in the country.

Dignitaries Present at the ceremony were Nana Nyaama ll Paramount Queen Mother of Sunyani, Nana Kwaku Sabin, priests and religious, political leaders and the All Saints Choir from the Christ the King Cathedral, Sunyani.

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.