The menace of Covid-19 has since 2019 globally interrupted the natural flow of life and growth. The outbreak of the virus caused much damage and is still subtly affecting human perspective and lifestyle. Every individual felt the pinch of covid-19.
Lockdowns and shutdowns in various ways were instilled, infection rate soured high, lives were lost and the fear of contracting the virus was high. Thus, every individual tried to adhere to protective protocols and find alternative ways to remain safe.
The world was in suspense not knowing what will follow next especially with all the various variants of the virus that eventually followed. Therefore, the whole world tried to find some form of solution in combating coronavirus. Eventually, with the advent of the invention of various vaccines, life seems to be returning to normalcy in the world.
However, even with this breather, society started experiencing another greater challenge of clearing misconceptions about the effect of covid-19 vaccines. Though this protective vaccine is freely available in speeding up the eradication of the virus, some sections of society and individuals due to unfounded fears have refused to avail of the vaccines. Hence, globally and especially in Ghana, the effort to clear this misapprehension has become very necessary.
The Conference of Major Superiors of Religious of Ghana (CMSR-GH), a body representing all Catholic Religious Women and Men missionaries who are working in various communities throughout Ghana especially in the sectors of health, education as well as pastoral / social work of various kinds particularly in less privileged areas, took the initiative to launch a covid-19 intervention project.
The launch was held on October 15, 2021 at Adom Fie at Santasi in the Ashanti Region with Catholic Church leaders in attendance and various health officials who presented realities and challenges in fighting covid-19.
The intervention project of the Conference was held to promote education and raise awareness in society of the reality and danger of the virus and clear misconceptions and fears to enable more people to avail of the covid-19 vaccine and adhere to safety protocols. Members of the Conference therefore were tasked to lead this cause in their various Regions and places of ministry to save lives.
In response to this challenge, Mother Ignacia School at Goaso in the Ahafo Region headed by Sr. Paulette Maria Goretti of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary who is also an executive member of CMSR-Gh, organised intervention activities to promote this cause and prevent the spread of the virus through vaccination with the theme: Mother Ignacia Red Cross School Link In Collaboration With Catholic Religious Of Ghana Strengthening Covid-19 Response Through Vaccination.
Thus, the Sisters and Staff visited and held discussions with neighbouring small local community leaders and on some radio stations and information centres on finding collective solutions to manage the spread of the virus especially through strict adherence to safety protocols and covid-19 vaccination.
This project was climaxed on Thursday, October 28, 2021 with a march on the principal streets of Goaso (Capital of Ahafo Region) led by students, staff and parents of Mother Ignacia School together with Henry Huegging Memorial School and Ahafoman Senior High School.
Messages were sent across through placards encouraging the community to be cautious and avail of covid-19 vaccine. The march ended at the Chief’s Palace where the Omanhene Nana Kwasi Bosompra I delivered an inspiring and encouraging message to the group.
He expressed joy at the initiative of students encouraging the community to safeguard their lives through vaccination and hope Goasoman and Ghana will support this intervention.
The second part of the programme was held at Mother Ignacia School premise where various dignitaries were in attendance. Members of the Conference of Major Superiors present were Religious of the Virgin Mary, Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, Society of Holy Child Jesus and Claratian Missionaries.
Others were Mr. Solomon Gayoni – the Regional Director of Ghana Red Cross Society; Mr. Peter Kumi – Regional Manager of Catholic Schools of Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions; Mr. Samuel Baidoo and Ms. Ivonne Kwarteng – GES Asutifi South District Directorate; Mr. Peter Bonsu – P.T.A Chairman of Mother Ignacia School; Mr. Peter Paul Anekor – Regional Disease Control Officer and his team of nurses; and Hon. Ing. Kobi Amoa-Mensah, Assemblyman of Kukuom, Asunafo South District.
The rest were Representatives from Asunafo North Municipal Assembly, Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, Goaso Municipal Hospital Administration, Heads and Staff of Cornelia Connely School, Ahafoman Senior High, Mother Ignacia School Administration, Parents and Staff. Other important guests were local leaders and members from neighbouring communities of Apotoyowaa, Yawkrakrom, Kokofu and Mehame Nkwanta.
Various messages were delivered including the reality of covid-19 in Ghana and the challenges and efforts of the government in fighting the virus. All the honourable guests gave inspirational messages and were impressed with the organization of such important activity.
They commended Mother Ignacia School led by the Headmistress S. Paulette Maria Goretti Ankrah, RVM in taking the bold initiative of leading this covid-19 intervention activities which is the first of its kind in Ghana by having basic school pupils responding to this social responsibility and challenge of the CMSR-GH.
While the programme was going on, nurses from the Disease Control Department of Goaso were invited to Mother Ignacia School to attend to those who have not taken the vaccine. Seventy (70) persons from the local communities, students, civil servants, teachers, staff and parents freely subjected themselves to the covid-19 vaccination and received the jab.
The school has also invited the Disease Control Department of Goaso to Ahafoman Senior High where 560 students from ages 18 and above together with their Staff will avail of covid-19 vaccine on Monday, 22nd November 2021.
Some local Chiefs and information centres have extended invitations to the Sisters to educate their communities/villages since most of them are still apprehensive about taking covid-19 vaccine.
Thus, on November 19, 2021, the Sisters continued this intervention project at two remote villages of Apotoyowa and Akwasidwubi of Asutifi South District of Goasi where fifty two people took the vaccine.
Sisters, Students and Staff hope to continue this intervention project. Discussions will continue especially at information centres in local communities where the challenge is greater and the message will continue to be carried across until the fight is over.
I wish to thank the conference of Major Superiors Religious of Ghana for the immense support and above all, for challenging us women religious to get involved and champion the cause.
Long live the conference of Major Superiors.
By Sr. Paulette Maria Goretti Ankrah, RVM
