Donkorkrom: President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Government and faith-based institutions to promote peace, unity, and national development. The assurance was conveyed on his behalf by the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, at the installation of Most Reverend John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, as the first Bishop of the newly established Catholic Diocese of Donkorkrom over the weekend.
According to Ghana Web, the installation, described as historic by Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual journey of the Catholic faithful in Donkorkrom, the Afram Plains, and surrounding communities. "Today is more than the installation of a Bishop. Today, history is being made," he remarked, emphasizing the significance of the event as the start of a new era for the Diocese.
Afriyie-Ankrah congratulated Bishop Asiedu, the clergy, religious, and faithful of the new Diocese, as well as the entire Catholic Church in Ghana, on reaching this significant milestone. He acknowledged the Catholic Church's immense contribution to Ghana's development through education, healthcare, social services, vocational training, peacebuilding, and the promotion of justice and human dignity.
He noted that national development encompasses more than just roads and physical infrastructure; it also involves values, discipline, integrity, compassion, and service. "Government alone cannot build the Ghana we all desire. We need strong families, responsible citizens, principled leaders, and faith communities that continue to inspire hope, peace, and moral responsibility," he stated.
President Mahama, he said, remains committed to deepening collaboration between the Government and all faith communities in the collective pursuit of national development. "Our religious diversity must never divide us. It must unite us. Our different beliefs must never become walls between us; they must become bridges towards peace, understanding, and national unity," he stressed.
Confidence was expressed in Most Rev Asiedu's ability to lead the new Diocese with humility, wisdom, and compassion, while strengthening faith, uniting communities, and inspiring the younger generation. "I believe Ghana's greatest days are still ahead of us," Afriyie-Ankrah declared, adding that with God's guidance, responsible leadership, and the collective efforts of Ghanaians, the nation would continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united future.