The Hon. Elvis Afriyie- Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, has urged the Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, the Bishop of Donkorkrom Diocese to serve the people of God in humility, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
“The office of a bishop is not merely one of honour. It is an office of service and sacrifice. It requires wisdom, compassion, courage and unwavering faith”. He said this during his speech on behalf of the President at the Installation Ceremony of Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, as the first Bishop of the Donkorkrom Diocese.
The Presidential Envoy indicated that today is both a celebration and a solemn calling of the bishop. He also invited the bishop to shepherd the Diocese with wisdom and love. “The people entrusted to your pastoral care will look to you for spiritual guidance, moral leadership and hope”, he continued.
The celebration he said marks the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual journey of the Catholic faithful within the Afram Plains and its surrounding communities. The establishment of a new diocese is a significant milestone in the life of the Church. It reflects growth, renewed evangelization and a deeper commitment to bringing the Gospel closer to God’s people.
He acknowledged the fact that the Catholic Church has, for generations, been one of Ghana’s most dependable partners in national development. Through the church’s schools, hospitals, clinics, vocational institutions and countless social interventions, generations of Ghanaians have been shaped and these have also contributed immensely to nation-building.
Long before many communities enjoyed access to modern education and healthcare, Catholic missionaries had already established schools and health facilities that transformed lives. And still, the nation continues to benefit from the Church’s unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, peace-building, justice and the promotion of human dignity he admitted. The Government of Ghana he indicated deeply appreciates this invaluable contribution.
He admitted to the fact that the government alone cannot build the nation we all desire,hence the need for a stronger partnership between the State and faith-based institutions.
Religious institutions he posited possess a unique ability to shape values, strengthen families, promote ethical leadership and inspire communities towards peaceful coexistence.
The Hon. Minister continued that the creation of the Diocese is itself a reminder that growth requires vision. Every institution that has endured understood the importance of preparing for tomorrow. The Church prepares tomorrow’s leaders through today’s formation. Our schools prepare tomorrow’s professionals. Our families prepare tomorrow’s citizens. Likewise, our nation must continue investing in education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital if we are to build the Ghana we all envision.
“With God’s guidance, principled leadership and the collective efforts of all citizens, we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous and united nation where every Ghanaian has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential”, the Presidential Envoy eluded to. He hopes for a better Ghana but that he indicated must be achieved with hard work and committed by all and sundry.
He concluded his speech by reaffirming government’s continued goodwill and partnership with the church. He gave a cash donation of forty thousand Ghana cedis (Gh ₵40,000) from the government.
By Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (DONKORKROM DIOCESE-DEPSOCOM)
