Apostolic Nuncio bids farewell to President Kufuor

Accra, Feb. 15, GNA - The out-going Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana on Friday hailed the Government for its wise policy decisions and interventions that had helped to turn the country's economy around. Archbishop George Kocherry, who is leaving after seven years and four months duty tour, said he has been a witness to the tremendous progress made by the country during the period. "Inflation, lending and treasury bills rates are all down and Ghana now is on track to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)", he said when he called on President John Agyekum Kufuor to bid him farewell.

He was particularly happy with the implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme, the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme and the landmark National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The Apostolic Nuncio additionally, expressed satisfaction with the good relationship between the country and the Vatican, something that has allowed for closer co-operation and collaboration in the provision of social services.

The Catholic Church has over 4,380 schools in Ghana as well as a number of hospitals, clinics and other charitable organizations. He observed that the Church could not have done these without co-operation from the Government's Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Archbishop Kocherry, who invoked the blessings of God on the country and its leader, President Kufuor, said he has had the opportunity of interacting with many Ghanaians and what stood the nation out was that its people "are God-fearing."

President Kufuor commended the Apostolic Nuncio for helping to strengthen the relations between Ghana and the Vatican. He said it was therefore not for nothing that a State Honour, "Order of Volta" was conferred on him.

He noted that religion and politics should both serve the good of society and praised the Catholic Church for the good work it was doing in the area of social services. 15 Feb. 08