Cape coast: The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Reverend Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, has called on Catholic faithful to uphold the five pillars of Christianity to align with God's purpose for humanity.
According to Ghana News Agency, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle emphasized the importance for church members to ensure that the five pillars-prayer, giving, sacrifice, heavenly wisdom, and love anchored on truth, honesty, and dedication-are not neglected. He made these remarks during a program commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Catholic Church Parish at Agona Swedru.
The Archbishop highlighted that Christians cannot preach virtue while practicing vice, noting that such behavior contradicts Christ-like living and tarnishes the image of Christendom. He paid tribute to Bishop Kwadwo Amissah and other pioneers who made significant sacrifices towards the establishment of the Agona Swedru Parish 75 years ago, urging current members to emulate their commitment to support the Church's growth.
He also urged Ghanaians to refrain from dishonesty, corruption, and malfeasance in their workplaces, as these practices hinder economic growth and national progress.
Mr. Ekow Okyere Panyin Aduamoah, Central Regional Minister, expressed concerns about poor sanitation practices among some Ghanaians, contributing to recent flooding in parts of the country. He mentioned that the government had allocated substantial funds to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to address sanitation challenges, which could otherwise be invested in other development projects. He appealed to Ghanaians, particularly Christians, to maintain clean surroundings to help prevent perennial flooding and communicable diseases, thereby promoting the country's socio-economic development.
Dr. Eric Akobeng, a member of the Catholic Church Board, provided a brief history of the Agona Swedru Parish, recounting the sacrifices made by several priests to sustain and expand the Church. He noted that some priests preached the Gospel in rural communities under difficult and perilous conditions, leading to the establishment of several churches under the Agona Swedru Parish. Dr. Akobeng urged members to contribute to the Church's growth and development.
Nana Kweku Esieni V, Acting President of the Swedruman Council of Chiefs, advised the Church's leadership to undertake development projects on parcels of land acquired by the Church to protect them from encroachment. He encouraged the Church to prioritize investments in education, health, and other human development projects, pledging the support of the Swedruman Council.