The Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA) has celebrated its Founder, Rev. Msgr. Jonathan Thomas Ayikai Ankrah, on the occasion of his 80th birthday and the Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination, pays glowing tribute to his remarkable legacy of faith, selfless service, and commitment to youth formation.
The Thanksgiving Mass was held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Dansoman Last Stop, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Archdiocese of Accra. It brought together priests, family, past and present COSRA members, and well-wishers to thank God for the life and ministry of the revered priest.
In his welcome address, the National Vice President of COSRA, Mr. Vincent Musah, welcomed the congregation on behalf of the Founder, the Spiritual Director, Very Rev. Richard Aziati, the National President, Tamara Amina Sulemana, and the National COSRA Secretariat.
He noted that the celebration was centred on three key objectives: to thank God for the gift of Monsignor Ankrah’s life and 50 years of faithful priestly ministry, to honour the Founder whose vision gave birth to COSRA, and to renew members’ commitment to the organisation’s motto, “Service to God and Mankind.”
Delivering the homily, the Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Casmir Gosu, described Monsignor Ankrah as a man whose life has always been focused on God’s mission rather than personal recognition.
He observed that the celebrant served with love, sacrifice and sincerity, stressing that everything he did was motivated by a genuine desire to advance the work of God.
According to Fr. Gosu, many priests passed through Monsignor Ankrah’s hands during their seminary formation, a testament to his dedication to nurturing future shepherds of the Church.
He further noted that Monsignor Ankrah founded COSRA before becoming a priest, demonstrating his passion for evangelisation and youth formation from an early age.
Encouraging the faithful to imitate Jesus Christ and the example of Monsignor Ankrah, Rev. Fr. Gosu urged Christians to serve selflessly without seeking recognition.
“Serve and leave the rest to God,” he admonished, encouraging the faithful to emulate Monsignor Ankrah’s commitment to God, his dedication to the youth and his life of humble service.
Delivering a message in honour of the Founder, National President Tamara Amina Sulemana described Monsignor Ankrah as a visionary leader whose courage and unwavering faith transformed an idea into one of the Catholic Church’s most impactful lay organisations.
She recounted that 56 years ago, Monsignor Ankrah brought together young people in the Church to promote social and religious activities, nurture voluntary service, and instil values of obedience, discipline, humility, love of neighbour and the fear of God.
According to her, the organisation has since produced priests, consecrated men and women, lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, bankers, teachers, entrepreneurs and other professionals who continue to contribute significantly to the Church and society.
She further highlighted COSRA’s contributions through voluntary service, charitable outreach, blood donation exercises and youth mentorship, describing the organisation as “an ocean from which all societies in the Church fish.”
The National President expressed gratitude to all who supported Monsignor Ankrah in establishing COSRA and remembered deceased members whose sacrifices contributed to the organisation’s growth.
A commemorative gift was later presented to the Founder in recognition of his immense contribution to the Church and society.
Responding to the honour, Monsignor Jonathan Thomas Ayikai Ankrah thanked God for His sustaining grace throughout his life and priestly ministry.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the National leadership and the entire COSRA membership for their dedication in preserving and promoting the organisation over the years.
The Founder commended members for keeping COSRA alive through their commitment to voluntary service, evangelisation and youth development, urging them to remain faithful to the organisation’s mission of serving God and mankind.
The celebration ended with prayers, thanksgiving and renewed commitment by members to uphold the ideals and legacy of the Founder.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatch
