Koforidua: Mr Francis Poku, a former National Security Coordinator under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has urged Ghana's security services to remain disciplined and committed to protecting the peace and stability of the nation. He emphasized that insecurity poses a major threat to national development, warning that instability could deter investors, thereby exacerbating unemployment and economic challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Poku delivered this advice at a graduation ceremony for participants of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programme held at the St. Bakhita Parish Hall in the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua. The event gathered senior police officers, seminarians, clergymen, and other stakeholders, underscoring the collaboration between Ghana's security services and faith-based institutions in pastoral care and chaplaincy.
The graduates completed a 12-week intensive training covering areas such as Stress Management, Counselling Techniques, Human Dynamics, Temperament, Anger Management, Genogram Construction, Confidentiality, Gender Issues, Beliefs and Culture, and Will Preparation. Mr Poku highlighted that the training would enable participants to support individuals facing emotional, psychological, and social difficulties.
He encouraged the graduates to utilize their acquired knowledge to promote peace, discipline, and compassionate service within their institutions and communities. The Clinical Pastoral Education programme, introduced in Ghana in March 1999 at St. Dominic's Hospital, Akwatia, by Rev. Monsignor Dr Alex Bobby Benson, aims to equip participants to minister effectively to persons in crisis in supervised settings.
Since its inception, over 1,000 students from various religious backgrounds and professions have graduated from the programme. This year's graduating class included three senior police officers and three seminarians: ASP Rev. Godwin Kumatror, ASP Pastor Samuel Danso Marfoh, ASP Charles Obeng Boampong, Mr Frederick Amoah Nyame, Mr Michael Seyram Dodor, and Mr Samuel Akotor.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, also addressed the ceremony, urging the Government to expand the Clinical Pastoral Education programme to tertiary institutions nationwide. He stressed the course's relevance in addressing societal tensions, emotional stress, and political friction, highlighting its inclusivity as a platform for promoting tolerance and national cohesion.
ASP Rev. Boampong shared his experience, describing the course as highly relevant to the police service and other institutions dealing with suffering, grief, pressure, conflict, and moral challenges. He noted that the training had enhanced his understanding of counselling and pastoral care, improving his ability to address people's emotional and spiritual needs.
Following the presentation of certificates, Rev. Monsignor Dr Bobby Benson, the Course Convenor, led guests on an inspection of a newly constructed 24-bed palliative care centre in Osabene, Koforidua, currently 90 percent complete. The facility, which began construction in 2014, aims to provide care and support for terminally ill patients, including those living with HIV.