The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, has commended the Catholic Church for her long-standing social interventions in the areas of health, education, agriculture and social services.
The Minister praised the Catholic Church when the members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference paid a courtesy call on him and at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Plenary Assembly at the St. Andrew Cathedral on Monday, November 8.
He expressed appreciation to the efforts of the Church for her numerous educational facilities, which had benefited many people including himself.
He was happy the Bishops were in his Region for their plenary and asked for their prayerful support for him and the government to deliver on their numerous promises.
As a gesture, Dr. Bin Salih presented copies of his book titled, “Wala Chieftaincy Disputes and Indigenous Conflict Resolution in Ghana,” to the Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the members of the Conference.
The eight-day Plenary from November 5 to 13 on the theme: “Fratelli Tutti and Covid-19: Pastoral Challenges and Opportunities in Ghana,” was addressed by many dignitaries including the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, the Most Rev. Henryk Mieczyslaw Jagodzinski.
The Nuncio asked the Clergy and people of God to place peace above other things and urged them to be noble when engaging in politics.
The Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Baawobr, who is the host Prelate, described the Wa Diocese as vibrant, and growing into becoming a self-reliant Diocese.
There were Goodwill Messages from Traditional, Religious and Societal Leaders including representatives of the Paramount Chief of Wa, the Regional Chief Imam, the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in Ghana (CMSRG), the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NUGCDPA), the National Laity Council, the Knights and Ladies of Marshall and Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of the St. John International.
In their message, the leadership of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery and Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Joh International in Ghana, said they were aware of the challenges and opportunities the Covid-19 has brought to us vis-à -vis the practice of “true charity”, for a more just and humane which is now characterized among others, by Covid-19 vaccine politics.
“We assure you of our continued prayerful accompaniment at all times and physical support where needed, as ably demonstrated in our statement to the Right Honorable Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, indicating our unflinching support for your stand against LGBTQI++ imposition on Ghana,” said the message jointly signed by Maj. Gen. William E. O. Adjei and N/S Eugenia E. Enyimayew.
The KSJI leadership stated that “It is our fervent prayer, that the Holy Spirit would grant you the fortitude and discernment which you need to guide all your deliberations, to enable you give strategic pastoral directions for the Church in Ghana in light of your theme.”
The message added: “We assure of our prayers for the constant intercession of Mother Mary and St. John the Baptist to help us in the fight against Covid-19 as we extend fraternal love towards all God’s people.”
