The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has commended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madina, for its remarkable contributions to spiritual growth, education, and community development over the past six decades.
Speaking at the climax of the Church’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, the Minister, on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, extended heartfelt congratulations to the parish community for their enduring legacy of faith, service, and sacrifice since the church’s establishment in 1965.
“The role of the Church in national development cannot be overstated. Across the country, faith-based organisations, especially the Catholic Church, have made significant contributions to education, health care, moral guidance, peacebuilding, and community development,” Hon. Ibrahim noted.
The celebration, held under the theme “The Eucharist, Re-Evangelisation and the Youth”, was described by the Minister as both timely and profound, resonating with Ghana’s national priorities of spiritual renewal, responsible youth development, and communal peace.
He lauded the Church’s initiative to raise funds for an educational facility on its Abokobi land, describing it as aligned with government’s vision of promoting quality education. “This effort is commendable and supports the mission of raising future generations equipped with knowledge, values, and vision,” he added.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to empowering the youth, Hon. Ibrahim highlighted several programmes spearheaded under President Mahama, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Presidential Business Support Programme, the Greenhouse Initiative, the Student Entrepreneurship Initiative, and the Campus Business Pitch. He further revealed plans by his Ministry to implement 24-hour markets in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as part of the President’s 24-hour Economy initiative.
“These interventions are designed to ensure inclusivity, practical skills development, and sustained opportunities for our young people, while keeping the economy active around the clock,” he stressed.
Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24, the Minister reminded both government and religious leaders that true leadership is service rooted in love, compassion, and truth.
Hon. Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony P. Didongo, SMA, the Planning Committee chaired by Prof. Akwesi Mensah-Bonsu, and the entire parish for their warm hospitality. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Church, urging parishioners to remain steadfast in nurturing the youth as a bulwark against destructive influences.
“As you climax this year-long celebration, I pray that God continues to bless Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with divine favour, spiritual growth, and impactful service to society. Congratulations, and Happy 60th Anniversary,” he concluded.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA