The Synod was under the theme “125 Years of Catholic Mission in Accra: Renewing our Commitment to Evangelisation” and it took place at the Catholic Youth Formation Centre, Lashibi, from the 3^rd to 7^th of September, 2017.

The five-day programme kick-started with the arrival of delegates on Sunday 3^rd September, 2017. They were taken through registration processes and also had an orientation on what to expect during the Synod.

The opening ceremony took place on Monday 4^th September, 2017 under the chairmanship of Professor Kojo Senah of the Department of Sociology of the University of Ghana, Legon which was preceded by the opening Mass. Also in attendance was the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, a representative of the Minister of Youth and Sports and Hon. Alexander Abban, MP for Gomoa West who also represented the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.  Also present were the Vicar General, the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, the National Youth Chaplain, the Dean of Osu Deanery, a cross-section of Priests of the Archdiocese, representatives of the Brothers of Taize and lay groups – St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society and Catholic Women Association.  Representatives of some Parishes of the Archdiocese were also present.

The Keynote Address was delivered by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, His Grace Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle.  He entreated delegates to do well to speak the truth and bring out the best recommendations aimed at meeting the needs not only of the future but of the present. He bemoaned the phenomenon of ‘Agency System’ in employment of graduates which makes them lose so much money to these agents which makes them dependent on their parents who have gone through a lot already to see them through school. He therefore entreated the government to take serious steps at curbing he phenomenon.

The topics for the synod were divided into five (5) areas. They were;

1. Faith Formation, Catholic Education and Evangelisation
2. Growth & Maturation and Youth Group Restructuring
3. Skill Development and Youth Funding
4. Vocations – Holy Orders & Holy Matrimony
5. Youth Centre Project & Youth Coordinator or Project Manager

Inputs on Faith Formation, Catholic Education and Evangelisation was delivered by Rev. Fr. John Louis who is a lecturer at the Catholic Institute of Business and Technology.

The Second input was given by Mr. Francis Adzraku, a former youth leader and the main brain behind the New Integrated Catholic Youth Formation Programme (NICYFOP). He spoke on Growth & Maturation and Youth Group Restructuring.

Mr Kwadwo Amaniampong delivered the third input and on the theme: ‘Skills Development and Youth Funding’.

The fourth Input was given by the Youth Centre Project Taskforce led by Dr. Ivy Abu on the Youth Centre Project while the fifth input was on the theme: ‘Youth Coordinator or Project Manager’ and this was delivered by Mr. Louis Komla Kuddu, Immediate Past Chairman of the Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Council.

The third day started with the last set of inputs and these were in the area of Vocations. Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Mawuli Tettedji spoke on the theme: “Vocation to the Married Life” and Very Rev. Fr. Ted Nelson Adjakpey spoke on the theme: “Vocation to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life”.

In the light of Pope Francis’ desire in reaching out to lapsed Catholics and those who have left the Church, a former Catholic, now a Pastor of God’s Love Church was invited to speak on why he left the Church. Pastor Lahino Gomez shared his experiences on what he lacked within the Church and how that was met by his new church. Some delegates also shared their experiences. Ms. Gloria Maison shared her experiences of rediscovering the Catholic faith through another Church and Mr. Lawrence Okyere shared his experience of conversion from a protestant church to Catholicism.

After this, the delegates were put in five groups according to the thematic areas. They were to come up with recommendations for the entire delegates to agree on for onward submission to the Archbishop for approval.

The fourth day was when various groups presented their reports for discussion and voting by the whole delegates and this took us to the dawn of the fifth day. The fifth and last day continued with the discussion and voting by the whole delegates. Delegates were visibly tired but were determined to do a good work and get a very good strategic plan for the youth for the next ten years.

There was Mass to end the five-day Synod which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie and concelebrated with Rev. Frs. Ebenezer Kofi Hanson, Courage Senam Dogbey and Alphonse Bulloro.

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By: citifmoinline.com/Ghana

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A press statement signed by the Commissioner of the CID, ASP Joesph Darkwah, said “the CID has initiated investigation with the view of getting the authentic tape as well as the origin of the doctored one.”

It further noted that “anyone found culpable of doctoring the tape would be dealt with according to the Laws of the Republic of Ghana”

The media as well as the general public have therefore been advised to be circumspect in their reportage and comments.

The President at a gathering in Kumasi allegedly stated that Ashantis were unappreciative of government’s efforts.

Government is however insisting the tape recording in which the President is said to have made those comments was doctored by critics of the Mahama government.

Below is the full statement issued by the CID

It has come to the attention of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Administration that some media houses are airing different versions of a statement attributed to his Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana.

The CID Administration has initiated investigation into the matter with the view of getting the authentic tape as well as the origin of the doctored one and anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the Laws of the Republic of Ghana.

The media as well as the general public are, therefore advised to b circumspect in their reportage and comments.

Joseph Darkwah

ASP/PRO

For: Commissioner/CID

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post CID launches investigation into Mahama’s doctored tape appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.