President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Government and faith-based institutions to promote peace, unity and national development.

The assurance was conveyed on his behalf by the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, at the installation of Most Reverend John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, as the first Bishop of the newly established Catholic Diocese of Donkorkrom over the weekend.

Describing the occasion as historic, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah said the installation marked the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual journey of the Catholic faithful in Donkorkrom, the Afram Plains and surrounding communities.

“Today is more than the installation of a Bishop. Today, history is being made,” he said.

“A new Diocese has been established, a new shepherd has been entrusted with the care of God’s people and a new chapter has begun.”

He congratulated Bishop Asiedu, the clergy, religious and faithful of the new Diocese, as well as the entire Catholic Church in Ghana, on what he described as a significant milestone.

Afriyie-Ankrah paid tribute to the Catholic Church for its immense contribution to Ghana’s development through education, healthcare, social services, vocational training, peacebuilding and the promotion of justice and human dignity.

He said national development was not only about roads and physical infrastructure but also about values, discipline, integrity, compassion and service.

“Government alone cannot build the Ghana we all desire. We need strong families, responsible citizens, principled leaders and faith communities that continue to inspire hope, peace and moral responsibility,” he stated.

He said President Mahama remained committed to deepening collaboration between the Government and all faith communities in the collective pursuit of national development.

“Our religious diversity must never divide us. It must unite us. Our different beliefs must never become walls between us; they must become bridges towards peace, understanding and national unity,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that Most Rev Asiedu would lead the new Diocese with humility, wisdom and compassion, while strengthening the faith, uniting communities and inspiring the younger generation.

“I believe Ghana’s greatest days are still ahead of us,” he declared, adding that with God’s guidance, responsible leadership and the collective efforts of Ghanaians, the nation would continue to build a peaceful, prosperous and united future.

AM

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