Hundreds of people from all walks of life over the weekend joined the chiefs and people as well as opinion leaders in Cape Coast to confer an honorary title on Cardinal Peter Kojo Appiah Turkson for his historic appointment as the first black president of the Pontifical Council of Peace and Justice at the papacy.
Cardinal Turkson being assisted to sit on a stool by Osabarima Kwesi Atta.
Cardinal Turkson was given the stool name, Okunyin Kojo Nyamesomfo Kwankyerefo, by the Cape Coast Traditional Council and also made to hold the sacred staff of Cape Coast once to confirm the title bestowed on him.
He was also made to sit on a stool three times and given a Chasuble, a white gown worn by Catholic priests for mass service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, said Cardinal Turkson’s appointment was an unforgettable legacy for the people of Cape Coast and therefore thanked the Cape Coast Traditional Council for honouring him.
The Minister also expressed concern about the way some churches turn their backs on cultural and traditions in the country and further thanked Cardinal Turkson and the Catholic Church for embracing traditional values and customs that would promote the development of the country.
She called on Cardinal Turkson to use his good office to woo more investors to the region to invest in education and tourism to help reduce poverty in the region.
She said the fact that Cardinal Turkson has been appointed to head the Council of Peace and Justice in Rome, indicates that the world had recognized the important role Ghana has been playing in the promotion of peace and justice in the world.
The Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, urged Cardinal Turkson to reach to higher levels and always pray for God’s protection and guidance to enable him do his work diligently.
Present at the occasion was the 2008 presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom.
The chairman for the occasion, who is also the Archbishop of Accra Diocese, Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle, stated that Cardinal Turkson’s new appointment was due to his selfless dedication to the service of God.
He advised Ghanaians to wait on God and further called for unity and peace to prevail in the country, a situation which he claimed would justify the position given to Cardinal Turkson.
For his part, the Anglican Bishop of Cape Coast Diocese, Bishop Daniel Sylvanus Allotey, noted that Cardinal’s appointment signifies that God has blessed Ghana and promised him of their continuous prayers for him to succeed.
FROM MAGDALENE SEY, CAPE COAST