Hundreds mourn Fr. John Oppong

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

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

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

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

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

Prelates and Priests praying for the deceased

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

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

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

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

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

Some Brothers  conveying the coffin of Fr. Oppong

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

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

‘Take precaution against Lassa Fever’-Kumordji

Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese has charged health workers in the country to sensitise the public on Lassa Fever in that has hit some West African countries.

Bishop Kumordji, SVD

He entreated them to increase surveillance and public awareness on the symptoms of the disease, in order for them to seek immediate care and take precautionary measures against its spread, should the disease strike in Ghana.

The disease according to reports has affected some West African countries, including Cote D’Ivoire, with over 300 cases and 31 deaths in Nigeria.

The Bishop made the appeal, during the Diocesan celebration of the 26^th World Day of the Sick at Lume in the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, stressing the need for us to prepare for the disease and avoid being taken by surprise.

The Lasa Fever is an acute Viral Haemorrhagic Fever caused by an arenavirus. It has an incubation period between 6-21 days. Although the onset of the illness is gradual, with non-specific signs and symptoms, it commonly presents fever, general weakness and malaise.

Other symptoms including headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, diarrhoea and abdominal pain may manifest in patients after few days of contracting the virus. The disease is transmitted to humans through food or household items contaminated with the urine, saliva, feaces, and blood of rodents. 

The Prelate, who presided over Mass concelebrated by Most Rev. Anthony Kwami Adanuty, Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese, commended health workers for their dedication, which involves taking great risk to serve the sick.

Bishop Kumordji presenting the award to the best worker

He reiterated Pope Francis’ appeal to all Catholic health providers to continue serving the sick with renewed vigour in fidelity to the Lord, urging them to place patients at the Centre of healthcare delivery.

Rev. Fr. James Amuzu, Acting Diocesan Executive Secretary for Health, enumerated the efforts being made by the Diocese to disciple among health workers and improve customer care to patients.

He however appealed for support from the government, philanthropists, NGOs and cooperate Ghana to help the Diocese enhance health delivery.

Togbe Seysah III, Sub District Chief of Lume, praised the Catholic Church for providing health care services in the area but entreated them to continue the goods works in order to sustain the gains and make the place grow.

The Awardees with the Prelates and Priests

Madam Comfort Asimadu, Principal Health Assistant at the Sacred Heart Hospital at Abor was adjudged the overall Diocesan Best Worker for 2017, with the theme, Mater Ecclesiae: “Behold, your son... Behold, your mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27).

Ms. Nanay Adzei, Senior Nursing Officer, St. Anthony Hospital, Dzodze, first runner up, while Christiana Sekyi and Famous Atipo were among second runners up.

Msgr. Peter Huletey, Vicar General of the Diocese was among priests and religious in attendance, as well as representatives of the six health facilities in the Diocese. 

Cuniberto Clinic appeals for support

The Cuniberto Clinic and Maternity Home at Lume, in the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, has marked its 5^th anniversary with an appeal to philanthropists, corporate Ghana and stakeholders to support the completion of a new Out Patient Department (O.P.D.).

Dr. Kelugu

Dr. Neville Kelugu, Medical Director of the Clinic, commended Very Rev. Fr. Rabiosi, MCCJ, of the Comboni Missionaries, and his benefactress for building the Clinic, and the chiefs and people of Lume for their role over the years.

In the past five years, the Medical Director, noted that the Clinic, manned by 18 staff with Medical Officer, Physician Assistant, Pharmacist, Midwives among others, recorded 30,325 O.P.D (an average of 6,065 annually) attendants, since its inception, and had 148 deliveries with no still births.

The front view of the uncompleted O.P.D block  

He also appealed for support for the purchase of a vehicle to facilitate operations at the facility, as well as Laboratory equipment, Ultrasound scan Machine, for the construction of a shed for the Reproduction and Child Health Clinic at the facility.

The Medical Director also pleaded for the provision of an incinerator to cater for solid waste disposal at the facility, and accommodation for the staff.

Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese and his predecessor Most Rev. Anthony Kwami Adanuty as well as a number of Priest were present at the anniversary which coincided with the Diocesan Launch of the World Day of the Sick.

Bishop Kumordji also commended Fr. Rabiosi, for mobilising resources to build a clinic to address the health needs of the people in the area.

Section of the Cuniberto Clinic

Bishop Kumordji with Fr. Rabiosi

In his remark, Fr. Rabiosi also thanked the Chief and people of Lume for donating land for the project and all those who supported the facility, stating that the name of the late Fr. Cuniberto’s (a missionary he came to Abor with in the 70s) was given to the facility because of his dedicated zeal to serve. 

Some patrons dancing 'Agbadza' 

The Cuniberto Clinic & Maternity Home was the brain child of the Comboni Missionaries who put up the first two buildings and later handed over to the Diocese to run.

At the early stages, the facility was supported by the St Anthony's Hospital, Dzodze, the Sacred Heart Hospital, Abor and Richard Novati Hospital, Sogakope.

After clocking the 5^th milestone, managers of the facility are optimistic that their vision to grow into a highly esteemed and excellent facility, catering for the sick in society especially the elderly women, expectant mothers and children is achievable with the continuous support from all stakeholders.

Beyond Talks

Tall tale touches throats,

And talkative talk stalks,

Spins in the speakers’ speeches.

They traded silent blabs of brethren,

While smiling to their generous mischief.

The grievous gifts of styles

Ignites the flair of sisters’ excited giggling,

Singing the sweet-stale gossips of Saboba, Sankase,

Sandema, Santrokofi, Santasi, Sankori, Savelugu, Sakasaka,

 Saviefe, Sunyani, Sekonde which suckles the lips of Senchi and Sakumono.      

But beyond talks of thoughts,

Beyond the traces of tongues,

Beyond the trumps of talkers,

The tickling thrills still touches

The thatches of Tatale,

The trees of Tamale,

The traps of Tapa,

The tubers of Tokroanu,

The trades of Takoradi,

The tames of Tema,

While the talks of Tanokrom

Travels to Tutukpene and Tefle,

All trekking the talks of talks.

                                                                                                                                                                                    -KYB

10^th September 2015

Oyibi, Accra 

WACCBIP-NCHS trains Biomedical Scientists

*The Trainees with dignitaries at the opening session.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congolese delegation commend Ghanaians

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burden of Choice

Tricky show of mental agitation

Tetchy infighting intents,

Spiky drills of interests,

Rocks thought processes.

Amidst objective introspection,

Counter-views counters incompatible

Views of overviews and reviews to sustain

Successive ends against catastrophic failures.

Attainable quest of yesterday make faces

In the backyard of dreams,

 That lends cautious steps to this drive 

As moments sifts excesses in reasons,

Just to walk in the light of experience.

  

     Somehow it is a maxim to follow,

   Someway it is a necessary must,

    Somewhere it is a treacherous mile,

      Sometimes it is an unpredictable path. 

Braving fear within fears,

Sinking deep thought of thoughts,

All in bit to accomplish the ultimate,

Is a burden of choices that besiege

Living thought processes.

Yet everyone must make the choice,

Every government must decide,

Every generation ought to choose

Because every society is affected

By the mismatch in needs and scarcity,

 Of every phase.

18^th February, 2014

Gbawe-Bulemin, Accra 

Hubert Marries Priscilla

Mr. Hubert Nsoh Zan, a staff of the Energy Commission and Priscilla Nana Boatemaa Asante, staff at the Ghana National Petroleum Cooperation (G.N.P.C), has solemnised their marriage at the Holy Cross Parish at Choggu, Tamale.

To ensure a happy marriage, Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Ankyier, Bishop of Damongo Diocese, who officiated the Mass, urged the couple to always acknowledge God, who established marriage institution. ‘Be prayerful and loyal to each other’ he added.

He described marriage as God’s gift to man and a vocation to serve the Church, adding that the institution of marriage is a faith experience and a witness to discipleship.

Observing that marriage is a continuous learning process and work in progress, the Prelate he called on the couple to adjust, be patient, forgiving, kind and supportive to with each other.

The Bishop entreated the couple to remain responsible to their external families but be careful in how they allow them into their marriage, stressing that couple should first please their spouse.

Since there were challenges with every commitment, Bishop Angkyier stressed the need for the couple to be one minded, have faith and hope in God.

The Bishop explaining the role of husbands in the marriage, tasked Hubert to develop a vision and mission for his family and promote the spiritual development of his wife, and urged the Priscila to accept her husband’s authority, acknowledge and appreciate his vision.

He entreated Hubert to show love to his wife by being devoted and committed, and urged Priscilla to respect, be supportive and cooperative with her husband.  

The Groom is the son of the Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary for the Department of Human Development at the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS), Accra.

Concelebrants at the well-attended Mass were Very Rev. Frs. Daniel Saaka, Vice Rector of St. Victor’s Seminary, Tamale and Hilary Pogbeyir, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish.

Among well-wishers at the Mass were relatives, members of Knights of Marshall and friends.

Palmer-Buckle Charity Classic inaugurated

The Chief Justice

 Ms Sophia Akuffo, Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, has called on well-meaning Ghanaians to support the Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Charity Classic (APBCC) to ensure the completion of the restoration of the Holy Spirit Cathedral and support charity works of the Catholic Church.

She commended the Church for her role in serving the needs of the poor and marginalised in the society over the years, adding that the Catholic Church has shown that it does not only preach the Gospel but also serve the needs of the poor in the society.

The Chief Justice presenting an award to one of the winners

The Chief Justice, as the Special Guest at the inauguration of the APBCC at the Achimota Golf Park, applauded organisers of the programme for using golf, which she refers to as a game of leisure, to raise funds for charity and the restoration of the Cathedral project.

She thanked God for the gift of the Archbishop’s life, whom she recounted knowing when he was Fr. Palmer-Buckle, for being a diligent priest, and commended his profound love and dedication for Ghana.

In his remark, Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra said the Cathedral Restoration Project goes beyond cement and mortar, adding that it’s the house of God and a national monument, which must be preserved.

He enumerated a number of national events held in the Cathedral, including the consecration of the Nation to the Sacred Heart on the eve of Ghana’s independence, as well as hosting an ecumenical service during Ghana’s 60th Independence anniversary.

Whilst commending the organisers for putting up the programme, the Local Ordinary urged Parishioners in every parish in the Archdiocese to contribute a minimum of GH¢100 a year or GH¢ 8. 30pessewas per month towards the Cathedral Restoration Project.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle

The Archbishop explained that the inaugural programme was to raise the seed money not only for the Cathedral Restoration Project, but to support the charity works of the Archdiocese, including the ones being run at the City of God, Agbogloshie, and the Catholic Action for Street Children among others.

Ordained into the Priesthood on 12 December 1976, the Archbishop said he has always loved to be a Priest to serve the people of God, and thanked God for His grace and mercies on his life.

In appealing for support, the could not hide his love for Reggae Music, as he performed his rendition of the Legend Robert Nester Marley’s Redemption Song to the admiration of the patrons and guests.

Dr. Sam Esson Jonah, a business magnate and a Founding Patron of the APBCC donated US$5000 in support of the project, stating that there couldn’t be a worthier course to support than the initiative that goes to support the needs of the poor and the vulnerable in the society. “The Catholic Church represents the very best we should all support”, he added.   

Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Filton-Mensah, Administrator of the Cathedral, taking the guest through a documentary on the cracks in walls of the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka, observed that the architectural integrity of the Cathedral has been compromised and the edifice was not as strong as it was 60years ago when it was built.

The Administrator, commenting on the severe structural damages on the roof, ceiling, the parapet, basement and tower of the Cathedral as well as cracks on portions of the walls, posted US $1million dollars as the estimated cost of the restoration project.

He explained that the challenge was due to the absence of a periodic maintenance regime of the Cathedral over the years. “We have had challenges because we have not been able to keep up with periodic maintenance” he stressed.

Reporting on efforts being made, Fr. Filton-Mensah in a documentary showed an elevated view of the reconstructed roof-on-roof of the Cathedral with eight vents by Domod Company at GH¢240, 000.

The programme was organised by the founding Patrons of the Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Charity Classic and Catholics in Banking, Finance, Business, Services, Media and their Families and Friends.

Dr. Frank Adu Jr, Managing Director of CAL Bank Limited and a Founding Patron who chaired the inaugural function, described the APBCC as a laudable project, which he argued should be institutionalised to be an annual programme to support the Church’s charity works.

Acknowledging the success of the inaugural event, he said playing golf and raising funds to support charity was commendable.

He however debunked the notion that golf was a sport reserve for the rich and affluent in the society, saying it was a game for everybody, and appealed to the National Sports Council promote the game of golf at the national level.

The inaugural fundraising Golf Tournament to kick start the programme and under the theme: Tee-Off To Restore the Holy Spirit Cathedral, was graced by the celebrated Dance Hall Artist Samini, who helped raised about GH¢ 20,000 during his lively performance, which got the Archbishop and the Priests around dancing.

Other Artist who performed at the function were Daughters of Glorious Jesus and the Black Lace Band who treated the guest to good music.

Winners of the golf tournament male category were Barry Dzadey, Dr. Frnak Adu Jr, Kwaku Okyere and Kofi Dickson. In the female category Vetsch Bempong, Mercy Werner and Aku Yabah were the winners. They were all presented with trophies and awards.

Advocacy, key to ending land grabbing

Tactical advocacy and empowerment of people in communities were identified as vital to stop the creeping incidence of land grabbing in the country and secure community lands for domestic agriculture.

To this end, a number of Faith Based Groups in the country led by the Catholic Church, in collaboration with some communities affected by land grabbing, Traditional Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, as well as state agencies have mapped out ways to nip the occurrence of land grabbing activities in the bud.

These were part of outcomes of a two-day Annual Learning and Review Meeting (ALARM) on Land Grabbing in Ghana organised on the 19^th and 20^th of December at the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS) in Accra.

Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of NCS, observed that there are severe consequences on the economic condition of communities when they lose their agricultural lands, adding that the church will not relent in its efforts to solidarise with communities threatened by land grabbers.

He echoed the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ in their 2016 Communique issued in Tamale, on the subject, after Caritas Ghana’s survey on the situation in the country in 2016. 

With the biting effects of land grabbing on family life, including the stresses on marriages, Fr. Anondee reiterated the commitment of the Church to continue speaking for the affected families and communities for state actors to address the issue.

In the light of the theme of the meeting: Securing Community Lands For Domestic Agricultural Production and Food Security in the Context of SDGs 2, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Caritas Ghana, noted that the dialogue was to demand policy attention for the issue which is critical in the economic and livelihood condition of the rural poor.

He noted that the dialogue also seeks to understand what avenues were available to land owners when their interest were under threat.

The Queen Mother of Bole Traditional, Kansawurdu Bukai, shared the unfairness in the acquisition of large tracts of lands at Babator, in the Northern Region by a multinational company.

Mr John Peter Amewu, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in a speech read for him, noted that the plight of peasant farmers who have lost their lands and thrown into abject poverty as a result of land grabbing.

He also expressed displeasure about how illegal mining ‘galamsey’ activities, was affecting commercial agriculture, which posed great threat to food security and water bodies.

Commenting on the Policy dialogue, he said meeting which aimed at charting a path that would put community interest above parochial ones and help make progress in addressing the issue of land grabbing in the country.

Mr. Amewu stated Government’s readiness to tackle issues confronting land grabbing in Ghana in line with National Development Goals and the SDG’s.

He said the Ghana Enterprise Land Information System- (GLIS) is being developed, under the Land Administration Project II, to fully automate services rendered by the Lands Commission to the public.

Besides, the Minister mentioned Government’s intention to implement the Multilateral Mining Integrated Project (MMIP) targeting ‘galamsey’ areas, to among others things, roll-out pragmatic measures to provide alternative livelihoods, reclaim galamsey sites and restore arable lands to boost food security.

He noted that as part of initiatives to curb the practice of land grabbing in the country, the Lands Commission was also developing detailed guidelines on large scale land acquisition in the country.

Mr. Amewu, cited a recent World Bank Report on securing land for Africa, and said the report painted a distressing contrast between the availability of vast land resources and extreme levels of poverty. 

The report questioned why Africa with vast arable land yet has the highest productivity gap globally.

The Minister commended the critical Caritas Ghana was playing to ensure the efficient, equitable, judicious and sustainable use of land resources within Ghana and across Africa.

He said assured that Government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to muse over a suitable solution to put lands to optimum use.

A Principal Land Administration Officer at the Land Commission, Dr. Stanislaus Adiaba, observed that most lands in Ghana were held by traditional leaders, who do not have adequate legal and technical know-how to deal with land grabbing.

He said stakeholders are working on policy harmonisation and reengineering to consolidate the merger the four land sector agencies, which includes the establishment of Client Service Access Unit (CSAU) in Accra, Koforidua, Sekondi, Tamale and Bolgatanga.

Among participants were Most RevS. Joseph Osei-Bonsu and Gabriel A.A. Mante, Bishops of Konongo Mampong and Jasikan Dioceses respectively.