President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the Catholic Church in Ghana for remaining one of the nation’s leading development partners.
Speaking at the 11th Anniversary celebration of the Pope Francis’ Pontificate at the Nunciature in Accra on March 13, the President said “we recognize and commend the invaluable contributions and support received from the Catholic Church towards the advancement and progress of the country especially in the areas of education, healthcare and the provision of social services”.
He noted that the good relations between Ghana and the Holy See has led to the construction of 5,000 Basic Schools, 80 Senior High and Technical Schools, 40 TVET Schools, 30 Colleges of Education, two University Colleges and One chartered University as well as 49 Hospitals, 94 Clinics and 11 Health Training Institutions.
The President commended the Catholic Bishops of Ghana for their tireless efforts in propagating peace, justice and reconciliation in the country. “Their pastoral guidance and moral authority are invaluable asserts in our quest for national development in unity”, he added.
President Akufo-Addo congratulated Pope Francis on his anniversary celebration, stating that the Holy Father has had a transformative impact not only on the Catholic Church but the world at large since the beginning of his Pontificate.
“His unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion and inclusivity serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with complex numerous challenges. His emphasis on dialogue, solidarity and care of the common good of humanity resonates deeply with people of all faith and backgrounds”, he stressed.
The President was hopeful that the leadership of the Pope will continue to inspire all to build a more just, equitable and compassionate world for present and future generations.
Most Rev. Henryk M. Jagodziński, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, who hosted the celebrations, said the Pontificate of Pope Francis over the past 11 years is an eloquent example of engagement for the common good which has led to a lot of people – Catholics and non-Catholics holding him in great esteem and appreciating his simplicity, lifestyle and moral authority.
According to the Nuncio, Pope Francis speaks to issues that are prominent in our time, that is: war and peace, politics and religion, globalization and cultural diversity, religious fundamentalism and secularism, the migration crisis, the environment and social inequalities as referenced in his speeches, writings and meetings with world leaders.
He lauded the cordial relationship between the Holy See and the Republic of Ghana. He commended the Government and people of Ghana for preserving the Religious Freedom in the country.
“The Church and State must collaborate in various ways and areas for the good of the people who are at the same time Believers and Citizens. And this collaboration in Ghana – I must say – is pretty successful”, Archbishop Jagodziński emphasised.
Present at the reception were several Bishops of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana; Madam Shirley Ayorkor-Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassadors and High Commissioners; members of the Diplomatic Corps of Ghana, Priests, Religious and Papal Knights and Dames.
