Tarkwa St. Theresa marks 25th Milestone

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

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

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

Members of St. Theresa Society in procession 

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

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

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

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

A section of the Members at the Mass

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

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

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

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

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio and leaders with the Priests 

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

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

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

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

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

Little Flowers of the Society

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

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

                                                 

    

Search for alternative Parkinson’s Disease treatment underway

Research is underway to test the viability of natural plant-Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) as a cost-effective alternative to Parkinson disease treatment in Ghana.

Mucuna Pruriens (MP) a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia, widely reputed for its medicinal prowess, has 7% levodopa in its seed, which is an important medication for Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Momodou Cham, Medical Director of St. Anne’s Polyclinic at Tagadzi in the Volta Region and lead researcher undertaking the studies in Ghana, expressed his readiness to share the findings with Ghanaians after the end of the study.  

He observed that the antiparkinson medication levodopa, which is given to patients to manage the disease, in Ghana cost between $21 and $62, which was beyond the means of most patients.

He shared news about the ongoing study with a team at the Richard Norvati Memorial Hospital, Sogakope in the Volta Region, during a recent presentation to Parkison’s Disease Support Group in Ghana at the Baptist House at Abelenkpe in Accra.

Members of the Support Group who welcomed the news were optimistic that the outcome of the research could contribute to saving patients some monies in managing the disease.

At the moment, the cost of treating Parkinson’s disease in Ghana, which is not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme is expensive and a drain on patients’ resources.

Mr. Jervis Djokoto, founder of the Support Group in Ghana, was hopeful that the finding of the studies could greatly help patients who spend a monthly average of GH ¢3,000 on treatment.

Having been diagnosed with the disease in 2003, Mr. Djokoto said he was spurred to start the Support Group in Ghana, after experiencing what the support group in the US was doing.

The group, he explains was basically a gathering of patients, care providers and resources persons who meet regularly to share their experiences and knowledge of the disease. 

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a long-term neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. Though its cause is generally unknown, experts link it to both genetic and environmental factors.

According to reports, of the 6.2 million people with the disease in 2015, about 117,400 died globally. It is a fact that, Males are more often affected than females.

Symptoms include slowness of movement, rigidity or stiffness of muscles, freezing, constipation depression, and swallowing disorder among others, but Dr. Cham, noted that tremor was not a cardinal sign of the disease.

Dr. Charm who bemoaned the fact that there was low awareness of the disease in the country, said those above 60 years were more at risk of getting the disease.

Studies in other parts of the world including Bolivia show that the Mucuna pruriens variant utilis is safe for use and an alternative to over the counter levodopa.

‘Create more opportunities for Ghanaians’

The Ghana Government has been challenged to create more opportunities for young Ghanaians to get jobs that would enable them to live in dignity.

Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat, bemoaned the spate of illegal migration in the country, resulting in the death of many young people, and stated that more access to jobs in the country, could curb the incidence of illegal migration by the youth.

He stressed that the youth embarking on these perilous journeys could stay in Ghana if the state had created more opportunities for unemployed youth in the country.

He made this observation during the recent launch of a National Migration Project and the Outdooring of the Caritas Ghana Strategic and Advocacy Plan.

Commenting on the migration, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary for Caritas Ghana, said though not a new phenomenon, there was a need to pay attention to the issue of risks associated with it.

He expressed worry about the hazards and death of most of the irregular migrants on their unsafe routes across the Sahara Desert through the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

With Brong Ahafo region noted for high irregular migrants in Ghana, Mr. Akologo stated that the Caritas Ghana is working with Caritas Techiman Diocese and the Catholic Relief Service to implement a two-year pilot service delivery programme for potential, irregular and returned migrants in Nkoranza and Techiman.

The project, he explains, seeks to curb the incidence of irregular migration, through social change behaviour communication strategies, provision of trauma awareness and resilience services as well as the establishment of the regional referral system, among others.

Titled Regional Right to Roam, Return and Rest (R5), the project will also provide technical/vocational and life skills training geared to support potential migrants in transits and returned migrants. 

Ambassador William Awinador-Kanyirige, Chairman of the function called on the government to cut down waste in the public sector in order to create more opportunities of employment for the youth. 

At the lunch, the two planning documents of Caritas Ghana: Medium Term Programme Critical Pathways (Strategic Framework): 2017-2021 and the Catholic Community Agenda for Change (C2 AGENDA4CHANGE) Advocacy Plan: 2017-2021, were unveiled.

Reexamine mindset on Charity-Archbishop Naameh

To promote the mission of charity in Ghana, Most Rev. Philip Naamh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference called on the Church to show leadership in championing charity works.

He made the called in Accra during the opening of the National Conference on Integral Human Development, on the theme “The Church in Ghana Today, and the Promotion of Integral Human Development (IHD): Rethinking and Reconstructing, Commitments, Approaches, and Institutional Development.”

In appealing to Prelates to embrace emerging trends in the Church’s service of Charity, Archbishop Naameh, urged all to reexamine certain mindsets about the charity of the Church.

“Be bold to re-examine the structures in the light of the Church’s teaching, reforms and demands from the people we serve for greater professionalism, good governance, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.

“Let us examine them in the context of global best practices, discourses, and approach to human development” the Archbishop added.

The Vice-Rector of St. Victor’s Major Seminary, Tamale, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Daniel F. Saaka, speaking on Integral Human Development: Signs of the Time with the Mid of Pope Francis, called for fairer policies and ensure that no one is left behind in development programmes.

In reechoing the pontiff’s views on poverty, characterised by suffering, marginalization, oppression, war, medical emergencies, shortage of work, and forced migration, he said the integral human development concept should ensure that the needs of Ghanaians in access to education, healthcare, water, food, justice, and decent work are catered for.

He called for proper Church-state collaboration to draw regulation to curtailed the social evils of corruption, selfishness, pride, greed, and injustice, which make our leaders insensitive to the sufferings of the poor and the vulnerable as well as exacerbate their plights.

The Technical Advisor to the Senior Minister, Mr. Robert Poku Kyei, outlined the government’s policies including the institution of public sector reforms to enhance efficient service delivery in the country.

He commended the Church for its role in integral development over the years and urged her to continue supporting government tackle sanitation and land degradation problems, as well as keep working with the government to enact policies to the benefit of the people.

Acknowledging the fact that the Church and state are condemned to work together, Ambassador William Awinador-Kanyirige, Chairman for the launch said the Church should leverage the knowledge and know-how to ensure that no one was left behind in her pursuit of integral development.

The Ambassador urged Caritas Ghana to link up with the laity in order to promote integral development in the country.

The three-day Conference which brought together Diocesan Development Officers all over the country, and Prelates as well as partners in the development, was organised by Caritas Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. 

CHAG supports St. Monica's Clinic

*Mr. Yeboah presenting the presenting the item to Fr. Adarkwah

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), has made a presentation to the St. Monica Clinic & Maternity at Aakyem-Sekyere in the Koforidua Diocese, to facilitate healthcare delivery in the area.

Among the items donated were a motorbike, a public address system, boxes of facemasks, practical guide book and Educational Materials on mental health.

The Executive Director for CHAG, Mr. Peter K. Yeboah, said the donation with funding from UKAID, was to help in the delivery of mental health services in the catchment area.

He noted that CHAG has over the past five years been promoting awareness on mental health in the country, and commended efforts by personals at the Clinic in championing mental health service.

Madam Serwah. 

Expressing worry about the 98% treatment gap of mental health illness in the country, Mr. Yeboah called for increased awareness on mental health disease, more access to mental health services, and a reduction in the stigma attached to mental health patients.

The Senior Physician Assistant at the St. Monica Clinic, Afua Serwaah Bonsu, who jointly received the items with Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adarkwah, Chaplain of the Holy Family Hospital at Nkawkaw, thanked the Executive Director for honouring his promise to support the facility.

She said the items which came handy, would go a long way to help in health delivery, especially in the area of mental health service, adding that the support has boosted their moral to work hard.

Similarly, Fr. Adarkwah who blessed the items, thanked CHAG for the support. 

Madam Eunice Aidoo, Acting District Coordinator for Mental Health, observed that schizophrenia and epilepsy were prevalent in the area, and entreated families and the society to provide social support to persons with mental illness.

Seven Jesuits profess Vows

The Vowed Men with the Provincial Superior (M)

Seven Novices of the North-West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, recently professed their Simple Perpetual Vows at the Chapel of St Ignatius at the Jesuit Novitiate in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Among the newly professed were four Nigerians and three Ghanaians. They were Gabriel Owusu Adjei, SJ, Arinze Martins Nnamani, SJ, Emeka Duru, SJ, and Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, SJ, as well as Charles Ugwuonah,SJ,  Kenechukwu Kenneth Nwakwudo, SJ, and Joseph Ghansah SJ.

A candidate making his vows

Very Rev. Fr. Chukwuyenum Afiawari, SJ, Provincial Superior of the North-West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, who presided over the Mass, received their Vows, after going through two years of formation and discernment training at the Jesuit Novitiate.

Fr. Ibeneto

In a homily, Fr. Maximus Ibeneto, SJ, Assistant Parish Priest at the St. Joseph Parish at Benin City, said in the journey of faith, we should be guided and transported by the knowledge of God’s plan.

He said to be guided and transported by the knowledge of God, Christians especially the newly vowed men should listen and trust God to lead them in their missions. 

Fr. Ibeneto noted that “although each of the Vowed men had what it takes to make a name for themselves”, they chose to be companions of Christ, urging them to entrust themselves under God’s guidance.

As part of the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oguagua, SJ, Director of Novices, presented crucifixes to the vowed men.

The Vowed Men.

Bonosa Fosu, thanked everyone who played roles leading to their successful formation and discernment.

At the Mass were scores of Priests, as well as many well-wishers, relatives and friends of the candidates.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Superior in congratulating the vowed men, announced that four of the men: Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, SJ; Charles Ugwuonah, SJ; Joseph Ghansah, SJ; and Arinze Martins Namani, SJ, have been mission to the Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, Zimbabwe, for further studies.

While, Gabriel Owusu Adjei, SJ; Emeka Martins Duru, SJ and Kenechukwu Kenneth Kwakwudo, SJ, have also been mission to the Loyola University of Congo in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo.  

They have since left for their various missions 

Warm congratulatory hug by the Novice Director

‘Fight corruption with Renewed Mindsets’-NCCE Boss

Dignitaries at the launch.

Ghanaians have been advised to examine their actions and attitudes, and renew their mindsets in order to win the fight against corruption in the country.

Madam Nkrumah, NCCE boss

Madam Josephine Nkrumah, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), who described corruption as a national crisis which widens the gap between the poor and rich perpetuate social injustice.

She entreated the citizenry to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, accountability, discipline and peace, which share, and hold dear as a people, and challenged Ghanaians to conduct an introspection in their lives and workplaces, in order to eschew negative vices that create fertile grounds for corruption to grow.

The NCCE Chairperson made these observations during the national launch of the I-SHAME Corruption in Ghana project in Accra yesterday, and called on stakeholders to adopt purposeful and deliberate approaches to teach and inculcate lasting values of integrity and truthfulness among children and the youth.

The Interfaith Shaping Hearts, Attitudes and Minds to End Corruption in Ghana, dubbed I-SHAME Corruption, a 23-month project starting from April 2018 to February 2020.

The project which aims at shaping the hearts, attitudes and minds of students of Ghanaians to shun corruption in the society is being implemented by the Forum for Action on Inclusion, Transparency and Harmony (FAITH) with other faith groups in the country.

The Chairperson of the NCCE who chaired the launch, also underscored the need for the faith leaders and Ghanaians to start teaching children morals, and positive values of respect, honesty, dignity and patriotism, which she stated were the software that drive the superstructure of the Ghana’s future.

“As a country, we have come to a crossroad in our nation building where we have to take a stand against corruption” she noted, urging adults to be role models to the children, and appealed to stakeholders to reexamine the educational curriculum to help instill these values in them.

Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference who performed the launch said since God created man in His owned imagine, human beings were endowed with light and goodness, adding that there was a duty for men, particularly the religious to shine the light to dispel darkness in the world.

Noting that the African and Ghanaian were incurably religious, the Archbishop of Tamale called on all Ghanaians to reactivate and rekindle their lights and drive away the darkness of evil of corruption around us.

With the launch of the project, Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Director for Caritas Ghana and head of the Department of Human Development at the National Catholic Secretariat, stated that the I-SHAME Corruption in Ghana project will form Integrity Clubs in selected Basic Schools across the ten Regions of Ghana, to target pupils and teachers, with a co-curricular mentoring programme towards reorienting their behavior pattern, against corruption.

He noted that the project which would “contribute to uprooting Corruption from its tap root in Ghana”, is a citizen’s initiative to address the menace of Corruption, through collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and the National Commission for Civic Education at all levels of engagement of implementation.

To this end, the Executive Secretary said a Manual has been developed for that purpose to guide the Teachers and as a basis for monitoring performance at the selected school.

In addition, he said Officials of the NCCE Regional levels would conduct quarterly quizzes and debates for Integrity Club Members to enhance learning and peer networking for positive influence.

The Deputy Commissioner of the Commission for Administrative Justice, Mr. Richard Quayson, who commended the FBOs for their efforts, called for a more systematic approach to dealing with corruption in the country.

Hajia Ayishetu Abdul-Kadiri, Chair of the FAITH in Ghana Steering Committee, noted that the FAITH in Ghana coalition would leverage on the lessons learnt and best practices from an inter-faith cooperation for the 2016 elections in the implementation of the I-SHAME corruption project.

She stated that among the faith groups in the coalition on the project aside the Catholic Church, includes the Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI), Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (AMM), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG), The Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MAREDES) and the Christian Mothers Association (CMA).

Check Noise Pollution

The issue of noise making and noise pollution has gain notoriety in our society over these few years. The phenomenon is more pronounced in our cities without much regard to the effect it has on our health. Experts say, noise pollution, which is often overlooked, poses a bigger threat to our health.

Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) pegs the safe noise levels for a city at 45 Decibels, while Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency, (2008) Ambiance Noise Level Guidelines on Residential Areas, limits noise levels to 55 decibels during the day or less, and 48 decibels or less at night, many of Churches, Preachers, Beer-Bar operators, event organisers, as well as those institutions permitted to use sirens are flouting these guidelines with impunity.

 

Similarly, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, Minister for Environment Science and Technology was taken to the cleaners for suggesting the regulation of the noise level in our mosques and churches. But I believe as a society it is time we tackled the substantive issue of noise pollution in our country.

That human ear can tolerate noise up to 85 decibels, means anything louder and a consistent exposure to such noise level, poses risk of permanent hearing impairment.

Studies show that regular exposure to noise pollution increases blood pressure, stress, hypertension, sleep disturbance, psychological dysfunctions and noise annoyance among people. These diseases no doubt affect the wellbeing of a people, and their productivity in an economy.

I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to tackle noise pollution in our society and ensure sensitisation of the need to lower noise level, as well as ensure stringent compliance to the rules and laws.

Church wages war on Corruption

The Catholic Church in Ghana has taken the fight against corruption to the next level with the signing of a STAR-Ghana grant to shape the hearts, attitudes, and minds of Ghanaians in the fight against corruption.

On the backdrop of Ghana scoring 40 out of 100, in the 2017 Corruption Perception Index, dropping 11 places from the 2016 and ranking 81 out of 181 countries, and within the context of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), as well as that of the Church’s strive, the project hopes to inculcate the values of honesty and integrity among Ghanaians to eschew corruption.

The project, an Interfaith Shaping Hearts, Attitudes and Minds to End Corruption in Ghana, dubbed I-SHAME Corruption, is a 23-month project starting from April 2018 to February 2020, which aims at shaping the hearts, attitudes and minds of students of Ghanaians shun corruption in the society.

Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Director for Department of Human Development at the NCS, explains that the symbolism of the project is to expand the Church’s work in fighting corruption, which he said would help in shaping the attitudes and contribute to the formation of “a new Ghanaian who would be able to frown on corruption and other social ills”.

Among the faith group in the coalition on the project aside the Catholic Church, includes the Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI), Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (AMM), and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG).

Mr. Akologo explained that the interfaith coalition will leverage on the cooperation, collaboration and mutual learning and action experience from the 2016 Forum for Action on Inclusion, Transparency and Harmony (FAITH) 2016, with other faith groups.   

He said “Children are more likely to change if they have proper formative at the formative stage” adding that the project will impart knowledge on corruption to the target audience in 20 Schools (two per each region) throughout the country.

As part of the project, the Executive Secretary noted that they would develop a detail manual to guide the project and train coordinators, as well as encourage the formation of integrity clubs with the schools and organise a quarterly intra and interschool quizzes and debate on project.  

Fr. Anondee (Middle) signing the grant document.

Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS) in an interview after signing the contract on behalf of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, noted that the fight against corruption was an urgent one which should be everyone’s concern.

He noted that corruption was inimical to the growth of the country, saying the project which aims at imbibing honesty, truthful value in children, will help boost the fight against corruption which the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has had occasion to preach on and even constituted an anti-corruption prayer said daily at Mass.

The Secretary General states that just as the Church seeks to undertake the project in collaboration with other Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), he observes that “it is important we put our acts together in the fight against corruption, as a country, that it yields the needed outcomes and impacts for the survival of our society”.

“There is so much potential in the country, yet corruption is stunting the growth of Ghana” said the Fr. Anondee, who expressed optimism about a fruitful working relation with other FBOs and stakeholders in riding the country of corruption.

Through the project the Church hopes to contribute to the formation of a new Ghanaian whose behaviour and attitude will frown upon corruption.

There was an orientation by the grant partners prior to signing the of the GH ¢ 713,130. They urged implementers of the project to ensure rigorous financial systems, stressing on evidenced based results.

In attendance was Mr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

Barksanem takes giant leap in mining

The Barksanem(BKS™) is using innovation to champion sustainable, solidarity in its Artisanal Mining. The company founded in 2011, is preparing to comeback to the mining scene to undertake structural and strategic reorganisation, with more ambitious objectives, initiatives, innovation, and benefits for the local population.

Proposed products and benefits to the population

Barksanem™ as part of its License, proposes the identification, GPS tracking and organization of its mining operations through a unique mapping system. This includes the Registration, identification, and accompaniment of miners and their families. The tracking and control of minerals from the extraction until they are sold forms part of the process.

Among other things, Barksanem intends to create a digital currency based on gold; revitalize the barter system within the community; as well as the intensification of training and certification, which comes with the creation of an individualized virtual wallet.

The digital currency thus offers the previously unbanked the opportunity to use the banking institutions of the country, while benefiting from an individual or collective means of payment, and in the long term, ensure health monitoring through an individualized booklet. In order words the digital currency will be exchangeable for paper money of different currencies within the operational jurisdiction of the company.

One of the principles of Barksanem™ according to its CEO Etienne Atger, is in its slogan: "Innovation with respect to tradition". "Ultimately, while becoming a successful mining company, the Barksanem™ License contributes to the virtuous circle of micro-communities through mining in economic, social and environmental terms," he stated.

Among other advantages that will directly benefit the people, Mr. Atger cited agricultural projects (economic alternatives for women), education, health, access to water and sanitation, energy solutions. Mr Atger stressed that "the registration of gold miners on Barksanem™ sites, and also elsewhere and if possible throughout the country, will provide access to information until now very incomplete, on a population difficult to accompany due to its mobility, its fragility and the difficulties of integration encountered in many places in the country, as in most countries where mining is at the heart of their economy".

The history of Barksanem™ goes back to the time of Upper Volta when the current CEO, Etienne Atger, then a child, lived and grew up. He traveled regularly across the country. Later, he made many trips to West Africa, as part of development initiatives with an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) where Séraphin Guigma, Director of Operations Barksanem™ also worked. "Our knowledge of the field, the economic landscape, its place in the world of gold mining and the incentive policies of the government are among the main reasons West Africa was particularly attractive for the development of our business" reflects Etienne Atger. He indicated that he chose to limit himself to the establishment of ASMs or artisanal and semi-mechanized mining and not develop a “small mining company” or an “Industrial mine”.

"The reasons are found in our territorial approach which allows the mining activity to intrinsically integrate with the village and mining community thus making mining fully ingrained into the development of the territory." This would be extremely difficult to manage in the framework of industrial mining practices, for example" he explained.

Who is Barksanem™?

Barksanem™ is an international mining company created in 2011, which has been working to find solutions to problems encountered in the mining space. The creation of BKS™ was brought about after field observations and a clear vision of territorial sustainable development, in line with the challenges of transformation described in various international charters.

"Our experience in the mining sector in Africa demonstrates the following: the harvesting of subsoil wealth is too often a source of poverty, conflict, environmental degradation symptomatic of a vicious economic circle," suggested Etienne Atger. Based on our research and our previous mining experience in early 2000, BKS™ created a sister company in the USA that markets and sells a portfolio of technologies, the Barksanem™ License, (precious metals extraction, digital money, tracking …) targeting the economic and environmental autonomy of micro-communities (50 to 500 population equivalents).

“Specifically relating to mining communities, our core target, our approach integrates the extraction and monetization of minerals, essential support of economic autonomy, crucial prerequisites to energy and ecological autonomy through the decontamination of water, air, and soil. he explained.” BKS™ optimizes the physical logistics chain linked to artisanal mining.

The company also deploy innovative technologies for the tracking of precious minerals, while participating in the economic and environmental development of micro-communities. “Our approach to monetization turns the production of ore into a digital currency compatible with a portfolio of new services." says Atger. The BKS™ territorial approach makes it possible to integrate artisanal gold mining into its operations. These miners are often working on mining sites before ever being selected by mining companies. The identification and registration of these miners and their families facilitate the support of artisanal gold mining, while contemporaneously fighting against recurring fraud specific to the mining sector. Furthermore, making it possible to obtain the “Fair Mining” certification for artisanal gold mining. "Our approach also makes it possible for children to go back to school, proposes economic alternatives for women, without loss of income (projects to provide access to water and sanitation for the populations of the territories, soil remediation) and aims to improve the artisanal practices of mining, etc." stated the CEO of BKS™.

Allow Missions to select qualified heads

Government has been urged to allow Bishops and other Heads of Missions to choose qualified practicing members of the faith to head their schools in the country to ensure efficient and effective management of these institutions.

The Association of Catholic Heads of Higher Institutions (ACHHI), made the appeal at the end of its 38^th Annual National Conference at the Pope John’s Minor Seminary and Senior High School at Koforidua last month.

In a seven-point communique, the Association encouraged heads of Schools to intensify the teaching and learning of Religious and Moral Education in their schools, which as a prerequisite in ensuring the holistic formation of the students.

The Communique also called on Catholic heads of schools to acquaint themselves more on Government’s educational policies, as well as the objective of Catholic education in the country. This is envisaged to equip them with adequate knowledge needed to lead the young people entrusted to their care.

Similarly, the heads advocated for the clear definition of the General and Regional Managers of Unit Schools roles and their offices, calling for the offices to be well-resourced to enable the officers function effectively.

The Communique signed by Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kwame Apetorgbor, President of ACHHI and Rector of St. Cyprian Minor Seminary SHS, Sawla, reechoed the need for all stakeholders to actively play their roles towards a more effective management and administration of the schools.

Members at the Conference, themed: Effective Management and Administration of Catholic Schools: The Role of Stakeholders, were optimistic that the partnership between the State and the Missions which the Government has always supported, would be strengthened for the benefit of students, parents and the country as a whole.

“Since Catholic spirituality makes preferential option for the poor, we welcome the Free Senior High School Policy.” While encouraging dialogue and constructive criticism to get the best out of the policy, they expressed hope that the programme would be of “utmost benefit to the poor and needy in society”.