VOL. 82 NO. 26 Electronic Edition GHANA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY ESTD. IN 1938 SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020 – SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 PRICE GH¢2.00 ‘You Reap What You Sow’

We are convinced that the rule of law is based on “democratic principles that are inspired not only by the power Warn CENCO Bishops of the majority, but also by the recognition of fundamental moral people”, say the members of the Standing values respectful of human dignity, Committee of the National Episcopal life and intangible and inalienable Conference of the Democratic Republic of r i g h t s f r o m e v e r y m a n . A the Congo (CENCO) in a message on the Reconsider Portrayal parliamentary majority, however bill of reform of the judiciary deposited in legal it may be, loses its legitimacy the Parliamentary Assembly by the when it is disconnected from the government. of Jesus as White: interests and well-being of the Continued on page 3 Archbishop of Canterbury Story on page 3 Govt. Grants Page 13 Additional Incentives ‘We Must Rely on Our Strengths’ to Frontline Health Workers – COPAB to African States See back page Vatican Releases New Catechesis Directory Story on * Nun leads a practice for some of the children who will receive page 3 first communion before Pope Francis in Rakovski, Bulgaria. African Media Practitioners Recall Memorable Moments with U.S. Cleric Who “married” Media 2 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020

CATHOLIC Archbishop Paglia Calls for Reform in Healthcare System World News from “the integrity of scientific an online meeting held between research, to its freedom in terms the Pontifical Academy, the of economic profit.” Dicastery for Promoting Integral Speaking at the forum, H u m a n D e v e l o p m e n t , a n d sociologist Gianni Tognoni, representatives of Latin American T h e P r e s i d e n t o f t h e denounced the "fragmentation" Bishops' Conferences (CELAM), of governments' and scientists' Pontifical Academy for Life, which comprises Colombia, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, responses to the crisis. Central America, Cuba, and Msgr. Hector Fabio has stated that "the whole Mexico. horizon of healthcare must be Henao, of Caritas Colombia, Archbishop Paglia disclosed expressed concern about the rethought, both at a regional that the Academy was working on and at an international level.” g r a v i t y o f t h e c u r r e n t a document on the elderly, "who environmental crisis and its He said this during the have been and continue to be the r e l e a s e o f a d o c u m e n t , *A group of doctors in face shields, working with COVID-19 impact on health, while most numerous victims of the infected patients (Brazil AFP). Archbishop Carlos Garcias “Pandemic and Universal pandemic.” Fraternity,” on March 30, after from Mexico emphasised solidarity and responses that the H e r e i t e r a t e d P o p e humanism” that should guide C h u r c h c a n p r o v i d e t o Francis's words of warning that our response to the pandemic populations in difficulty. we are living through an era of crisis. Bishop Alfonso Miranda, Many Germans Leave “epochal change”. According to Archbishop also from Mexico, discussed “We realise how 'timely' Paglia, the first concern of the the importance of generating the Catholic Church t h i s s t a t e m e n t i s , ” s a i d document is about universal hope and giving concrete A r c h b i s h o p P a g l i a , a n d access to the best opportunities answers in the face of the social “explained that there is a call on for prevention, diagnosis and crisis caused by the pandemic. international institutions to treatment – which, he stressed, ccording to official Bishop Elkin Alvarez rethink aspects relating to the “should not be reserved only s p o k e o f t h e s e r i o u s figures released on health of all members of the for a lucky few," adding that June 26, a record "disarticulation of institutions" A human family living in the the distribution of a vaccine as and the lack of responses to the 272,771 Germans exited common home: the planet." soon as it is available in the the Catholic Church in n e e d s o f t h e p e o p l e i n CELAM representatives future will be an important test Colombia. He was asked to 2019, compared to 216,078 expressed their desire to case. in 2018. accompany the reflection of the encourage “a dialogue” on The second concern is on Church in Latin America to This brings the total health problems and on the the definition of responsible number of Catholics in ensure that the Church itself is common good, describing it as s c i e n t i f i c r e s e a r c h . capable of generating hope and Germany to 22.6 million in “a first step to save lives.” Archbishop Paglia explained 2019, as against 23 million in solidarity. The Document, calls for that much is at stake, ranging Vatican News 2018. “an alliance between science and T h e p r o p o r t i o n o f Catholics attending church services has similarly fallen *Limburg Bishop Georg Batzing Pope Francis Donates Electric to its lowest level, with 9.1% speaking, March 3, 2020, after being Bicycle for Auction attending in 2019, compared elected the new president of the period. to 9.3% in the previous year. German Bishops’ Conference. Formal departures from Reacting to the decline, the Catholic Church in Bishop Georg Bätzing, Germany are sometimes President of the German promised “We will take the motivated by a desire to avoid Bishops’ Conference in a f i g u r e s p u b l i s h e d t o d a y the country’s church tax. If an June 26 statement, said that seriously and bring them into individual is registered as a he did not wish to “gloss the discussions of the Synodal Catholic then 8-9% of their over” the figures. Way.” “I find the very high The “Synodal Way” is a income tax goes to the Church. number of people leaving the two-year process that brings The only way to stop paying C h u r c h p a r t i c u l a r l y together lay people and Bishops the church tax is to make an *Electric bicycle donated by burdensome. We regret every to discuss four major topics: the official declaration renouncing departure from the Church way power is exercised in the Catholic membership, in Pope Francis to UNITALSI and we invite everyone who Church; sexual morality; the which case they are no longer has left or wants to leave to priesthood; and the role of a l l o w e d t o r e c e i v e t h e ope Francis has donated a new electric bicycle talk to us. The number of women. sacraments or a Catholic Pfor a charity auction. people leaving the Church Catholics now account for burial. The proceeds will be used to bring children from the shows that the alienation 27.2% of Germany’s population In June 2018, Pope cancer ward of Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital to between Church members of almost 84 million, down from Francis sent a 28-page letter to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. and a life of faith in the 27.7% in 2018. German Catholics urging them Pope Francis's Second Personal Secretary, Church community has In a similar development, to focus on evangelisation in become even stronger,” the the Evangelical Church in the face of a “growing erosion Monsignor Yoannis Lahzi Gaid, delivered the bicycle German Bishops Conference G e r m a n y ( E K D ) , w h i c h and deterioration of faith.” to UNITALSI, the Italian “National Union of Transport represents 20 Protestant groups, President said. “Every time an ecclesial for the Ill to Lourdes and International Sanctuaries”. H e e x p l a i n e d “ O f reported on June 26, that its course, the declines are also membership fell by 440,000, community has tried to get out “The Holy Father has always been close to due to demographics, but from 21.14 million in 2018 to of its problems alone, relying children,” said Preziosa Terroni, the president of they also show first of all the 20.7 million in 2019. solely on its own strengths, UNITALSI's Rome-Lazio section, which organized the methods and intelligence, it fact that, despite our concrete Meanwhile, the number of auction. pastoral and social actions, admissions to the Catholic has ended up multiplying and we no longer motivate a large Church fell from 2,442 in 2018 nurturing the evils it wanted to She recalled a private meeting at the Casa Santa number of people for Church to 2,330 in 2019, while o v e r c o m e , ” h e w r o t e . Marta, when Pope Francis met with 22 seriously ill life.” readmissions decreased from catholicworldreport.com children being treated at Gemelli Hospital. The Bishop of the 6,303 to 5,339 in the same (CNS photo/Harald D i o c e s e o f L i m b u r g Oppitz, KNA) Vatican News Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 3 Vatican Releases New ‘You Reap What You Sow’ Continued from front page strategies to empty institutions that support Catechesis Directory democracy for personal purposes”. The government bill has raised “These actions only contribute to the concern among opposition forces and destruction of national cohesion and the civil society organizations about the destabilization of state institutions”, warn the possible weakening of the judiciary’s Bishops.Another point under discussion is independence from political power.In the reform of the Independent National he “Pontifical Council for i m p o r t a n c e o f “ w e l c o m i n g a n d their declaration entitled “You reap what Electoral Commission (CENI). Several civil P r o m o t i n g t h e N e w recognizing” the differently-abled, you sow”, the Bishops say they “noted society movements believe that the reform Evangelization” on June 25 acceptance, trust and solidarity for migrants T that the bill on judicial reform and the process ha sto be preceded by an examination released a new “Directory for Catechesis”, and special attention to prisons, describing them as an “authentic mission land”. lack of consensus among the members of of the report on the management of the providing guidelines for the Church's the Platform of religious denominations The third part, entitled “Catechesis in contested 2018 elections in order to avoid mission of proclaiming the Gospel through on the appointment of a common Particular Churches”, is dedicated to repeating past mistakes in view of the 2023 catechesis and evangelization. candidate for the Independent National catechesis in parishes, ecclesiastical elections. A position shared by the Bishops The long-awaited updated directory Electoral Commission (CENI) have movements and other Church associations. according to which “the Congolese have the was approved by Pope Francis on 23 March. aroused strong dissatisfaction in different Parishes are to be “examples of very chaotic 2018 election management in The three-part, 300-page document proposes parts of the Congolese population”, and community apostolate,” adapted to people's mind. Many have even lost faith in our three major principles of action: Witnessing, this is why “perceiving the risk of lived experience, and Catholic schools to be electoral system. Mercy and Dialogue. It has 12 chapters. violence and faithful to our prophetic scholastic-communities" of faith, instead of It is therefore necessary to reassure The first part, entitled “Catechesis in mission, we decided to turn to our scholastic institutions. future voters of 2023 that things will no the evangelizing mission of the Church”, compatriots to preserve civil peace”. treats the formation of catechists. The directory points out that longer be as before”.”The well-being of the “We condemn all forms of violence Congolese people must be the main concern In order to be credible witnesses of the ecumenism and interreligious dialogue with and recommend everyone the use of legal of any party or political platform”, they faith, the document points out, catechists have Judaism and Islam is a special area of and peaceful means to express their recall. “While the country is in a state of to be “catechized before being catechists.” catechesis to “encourage the desire for unity” opinions”, stresses the message sent to health emergency, its leaders would do better This involves gratuitousness, dedication, Agenzia Fides.The Bishops recall that It calls for a dialogue that combats to try to protect the population from the integrity and missionary spirituality, that is an “the rule of law is based on democratic antidote from “sterile pastoral fatigue”. anti-Semitism, and promotes peace and consequences of Covid-19 instead of principles that are inspired not only by focusing on getting political benefits”.”May Catechists are also called to be vigilant justice with Judaism, while at the same time the power of the majority” therefore “it is the Lord God of the universe illuminate our in performing their specific task “so that urging against superficial generalizations in unacceptable that laws are tailor-made hearts and bless our Country through the absolute protection is guaranteed to every order to foster dialogue with Islam. based on the ambitions of political intercession of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, person, particularly to minors and vulnerable On science and technology, the leaders, parties or political platforms or Queen of Peace and Lady of Wisdom”, they person.” Directory reaffirms that they are at the that some of our compatriots develop conclude. The second part - “The Process of service of the person, and should be directed Catechesis” - underscores the importance of a towards improving the living conditions of Agenzia Fides “profound and effective communicative humanity. model,” through the contemplation of beauty It proposes that catechesis be directed as a means of connecting with God, and towards educating people in the proper use sacred music as a way of instilling the desire of the digital culture, particularly helping for God in the heart of people. young people to distinguish truth and Reconsider Portrayal It touches on the role of the family, quality, amid the “culture of the where people can receive Christian education instantaneous.” in a humble and compassionate manner, and Other themes highlighted by the of Jesus as White: where Christians are called to accompany Directory include the call to a “profound others with closeness, listening and ecological conversion”. Catechesis, it says, Archbishop of Canterbury understanding in order to restore hope and promotes this conversion through attention trust. to the safeguarding of creation and the T h e D i r e c t o r y h i g h l i g h t s t h e avoidance of consumerism. Vatican News portrayed differently in countries around the world. “…Yes, of course …You go into their churches and you don’t see a White Jesus Italian Missionary Dies — you see a Black Jesus, or Chinese Jesus, or a Middle Eastern Jesus — which is of in Madagascar After 59 Years course the most accurate, he said. He added “You see a Fijian Jesus — Dedicated to Education and the Poor you see Jesus portrayed in as many ways as there are cultures, languages and Don Pietro Ganapini is one of the most singular figures, perhaps the most understandings.” significant, of the missionaries from Reggio who lived their ministry in the second Archbishop Welby was quick to “half of the twentieth century and in these first years of the new millennium. It can be qualify that the representations of Jesus said that his whole adult life coincided with the missionary vocation. were not, however, “who we worship,” but Since 1961 he lived in Madagascar where he was sent by Bishop Beniamino Socche.Mgr. rather served as a “reminder of the Massimo Camisasca, Bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, recalls: “The schools he created and universality of the God who became fully managed are today a fundamental axis of the country’s weak educational system. The more *Archbishop of Canterbury human.” than one hundred school residences that, with the help of Pietro Ganapini’s friends, he set up in Justin Welby. On monuments with links to the UK’s recent years are the sign of a tireless and lucid perception of the value of education for the imperialist history and slave trade and calls present and future of a Church and a nation. to be removed, he said statues in the Don Pietro gave us the testimony of a missionary life at the service of the poor, without he Head of the Church of Canterbury Cathedral would be put under any shadow of sociological or ideological reduction. He was simply a Christian”.At 4 in the England, Archbishop Justin morning on Tuesday 30 June, Don Pietro Ganapini, for 59 years a Fidei Donum missionary in review. Welby of Canterbury, has Madagascar, died. He was the pioneer and dean of the Reggio missionaries, and he spent every T “We are going to be looking very day of his life at the service of the poorest, especially children, those whom he affectionately said the church should reconsider its carefully, and putting them in context and called “the poorest of the poor”, those who did not have the opportunity to study. portrayal of Jesus as a white man. seeing if they all should be there,” he said. Born in Pantano di Carpineti on 19 January 1928, he received priestly ordination on 13 Responding to a question on The movement to take down August 1950. After a few years of teaching in the seminary, enthusiasm for the publication of “BBC Today Programme,” as to controversial statues has gained traction in the encyclical “Fidei Donum” led him to leave as a missionary in November of 1961 for whether the way the Western church the UK, as well as Europe and the US, Madagascar, first of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, opening the way for many “portrays Jesus” needed to be “thought resulting in divided public opinion — with missionaries: priests, nuns and lay people. According to his will, his mortal remains will remain about again” and “re-imagined” in light critics slamming it as “mob rule,” while in Madagascar. of recent Black Lives Matter protests, others applaud it as a way of dismantling Agenzia Fides Archbishop Welby said Jesus is “systematic racism.” BBC 4 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020

service, the Ghana Medical Association, the Nurses and Midwifery Council and other related bodies to as a matter of urgency, look into the present case and ensure that the EDITORIAL right sanctions are carried out. A Suggestion to the EC on The Ongoing Stringent Sanctions Needed to Prevent Voter Registration Exercise The Catholic Standard will like to proffer a suggestion to the Deaths in Our Health Facilities Electoral Commission (EC) to put in place practical and effective measures with a view to maintaining the social or he death of a woman at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge physical distancing protocol in combating the coronavirus Hospital) reportedly due to the negligence of doctors and nurses is as it carries out the voter registration. Tvery regrettable and must be condemned in no uncertain terms. The Commission may consider giving out numbers to According to the husband of the deceased, she passed on after a wrong applicants on first come first served basis depending on medication was administered to her and that doctors and nurses at the the capacity of the registration centre and those with hospital joked and laughed about the unfortunate situation. numbers called one after the other to be registered. Following this report, many Ghanaians took to social media to share We feel that by this means, it will reduce if not eliminate the their harrowing experiences at the hands of medical doctors and overcrowding that is the case in most of the centres. nurses . We also appeal to all those who go for the registration to This is not the first, nor second, nor third time a patient has lost his or her cooperate by keeping the physical distancing and also life or have been maimed at a health facility due to negligence on the make sure that they wear their nose and mouth masks. It part of health workers. Only last year in December, a woman allegedly has to be understood that the virus is no respecter of died together with her baby at the same Ridge Hospital after persons particularly indisciplined persons. undergoing a caesarian section due to negligence of medical personnel We also like to make a passionate appeal to all political parties for which the hospital has been sued GH¢5 million. to desist from busing people to the registration centres to Again, just two-years ago, a 70-year old man lost his life after being turned prevent chaos and violence that may ensue in the process. away by a number of hospitals with the excuse of “no bed” to admit him. Another incident was reported at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in 2017 of a 16-year old girl who was rushed to the hospital seeking emergency care but died due to “wilful negligence” of the hospital staff because her parents could not afford GH¢108 charge for a procedure which was supposed to be free. We can go on and on to mention a number of Values such incidents. It is unfortunate how medical personnel at these major referral centres in the country continue to endanger human lives due to negligence and enyan runner Abel Mutai was just a few feet from the unprofessionalism. The story is not different at other hospitals and finish line, but became confused with the signage and health facilities especially those in the rural areas. stopped, thinking he had completed the race. A Spanish It seems that medical personnel are, these days, more concerned about K runner, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realizing what making money with little or no attention to patients, even when the was happening, started shouting at the Kenyan to continue latter are in critical conditions. running. Mutai didn't know Spanish and didn't understand. The Catholic Standard would like to remind medical doctors of their Realizing what was taking place, Fernandez pushed Mutai to responsibility to protect human life at all times while calling on nurses victory. to keep in mind their pledge: “to the service of humanity and the A journalist asked Ivan, "Why did you do that?" Ivan replied, practice of their profession with conscience and with dignity”. "My dream is that someday we can have a kind of community life where There is the need for improved Patients-doctors and patients-nurses we push and help each other to win." relations and customer care especially in our public hospitals because The journalist insisted "But why did you let the Kenyan win?" the situation, as it is now, is nothing to write home about. Nurses Ivan replied, "I didn't let him win, he was going to win. The race was especially are known for disrespecting patients. his." The journalist insisted, and again asked, "But you could have Doctors, should as much as possible avoid the 'try and error' treatment they won!" Ivan looked at him and replied, "But what would be the merit of give to the sick and ensure that patients are properly diagnosed before my victory? What would be the honor in that medal? any drug is administered to avoid complications and fatalities. What would my Mother think of that?" To clamp down on the issue of negligence which is becoming too frequent in Values are passed on from generation to generation. our health facilities, this Paper suggests that victims should take legal values are we teaching our children? action in such matters. Ghanaians should fight for their rights and not Let us not teach our kids the wrong ways and means to WIN. have the Leave it to God (Fa ma Nyame) attitude in such Instead, let us pass on the beauty and humanity of a helping hand. circumstances. Because honesty and ethics are WINNING! In our view, health professionals who are found culpable should be suspended or have their licenses revoked to serve as a deterrent and in the case of Ridge Hospital, we suggest that all the medical personnel be transferred and other sanctions taken against them. Advertise in the Electronic Edition of We acknowledge that most health professionals in Ghana are working under extreme poor conditions but they should bear in mind that their call is unique such that it should not be compromised under any The Catholic Standard circumstances. The Ghana Medical Association should also put in place stringent and punitive measures to ensure that its members carry out their duties for better results with professionalism to avoid dragging the name of the Association into disrepute. Under no circumstance should Ghanaians lose trust in the country's health Call: 0302 424725 or system. We therefore call on the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Email: [email protected] Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 5 GJA Ethics & Disciplinary Council Develops Strategic Plan

THE Ethics & Disciplinary It was developed five objectives. Council (EDC) of the Ghana months after the inauguration Other members of the Journalists Association of the EDC and, according to E t h i c s & D i s c i p l i n a r y (GJA) has developed a the Council Chairman, Col Council of the GJA are Ebo strategic plan to guide its Mbawine Atintande, “this is Quansah, General Manager of operations and called for our humble contribution to Ghanaian Chronicle; Ellen more powers to discharge how we want GJA to be”. Avorgbedor, former Central its mandate firmly. Col Atintande, who Regional Director of the The strategic plan presented the strategic plan to G h a n a B r o a d c a s t i n g focuses on promoting high the National Executive of the Corporation; Nanabanyin ethical and professional G J A a t t h e G h a n a Dadson, former Editor of standards among journalists International Press Centre in Graphic Showbiz, and Osei and other media practitioners. A c c r a , c a l l e d f o r a n Col Mbawine Atintande, Chairman of GJA Ethics & Disciplinary Kwadwo, private legal The document titled amendment of the GJA Council (3rd left) presenting the strategic plan to Mrs Audrey practitioner and lecturer at the ‘Strategic Direction of the Constitution to prolong the Dekalu, GJA National Treasurer (2nd right). Looking on are Ebo Ghana Institute of Journalism. Ethics and Disciplinary tenure of the Council and Quansah, EDC Member (extreme left); Affail Monney, GJA The Council has Seth C o u n c i l o f t h e G h a n a make it more independent. President (2nd left) and Kofi Yeboah, GJA General Secretary J . B o k p e o f Journalists Association’ H e s a i d s u c h (extreme left) theghanareport.com as highlights the vision, mission amendment would strengthen Secretary. and goals of the EDC, as well the EDC and enable it to Affail Monney, thanked H e s a i d t h e N a t i o n a l as some key challenges of the discharge its mandate more members of the EDC for the Executive would study the SIGNED: media industry in Ghana and effectively. good job done and their document and ensure the full Kofi Yeboah how to navigate them. The GJA President, dedication to duty. i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f i t s (General Secretary)

The Pilgrims EXAMINE YOUR WAYS, YOU YOUTH OF MOTHER GHANA *Dr. Opoku Prempeh Those of them who have spent the them and that in whatever actions they Notes intervening years building their biceps take, they should think long term and and stocking up vitriol, will suddenly be examine what the outcomes will be for the By Kasise Ricky Peprah seen doing the bidding of politicians, and nation and for them, the youth who, in that process, decorum, truth and ceteris paribus, will be around longer. Dear St. Jude, propriety will be abandoned, for nothing St. Jude, somehow the electorate should be spared in the quest for political forget that in between elections they are hen it came to time for the power. For their trouble, they will also get left by the politicians to live together with Israelites to be counted, to ride with the contestants in their plush their opponents, to attend funerals and WJoseph and Mary travelled vehicles and maybe eat with them at up weddings and to go to the same market back home, to Nazareth, to partake in class eateries. and to share the same non-existent their civic duty and it was while there St. Jude, I have already complained amenities. Pray for us so that we will unite that Our Lord and Saviour was born. about the fact that most if not all along community lines, asking for and In fact, the Good Book reveals that contestants, will trade lies for votes, they The Columnist r e c e i v i n g c r e d i b l e p r o m i s e s o f upon their arrival they found out that will promise milk and honey, generally development and down the line of time, to all the inns were full and so they had to make commitments that are not only hold our politicians, to account for their make do with a manger, thus Our outside of their remit but also, decidedly keeping certain people away, is cause for stewardship. Our acquiescence to the Saviour’s humble introduction into impossible to make good. more worry. Our history as a nation has farcical process must stop, our reckless this world. It is therefore not I have also brought to your attention revealed that when the people in uniform exchange of our votes for a pittance must unchristian to partake in the processes that the mendacity that characterizes this lose confidence in the ability of the be made a thing of the past, our outright leading up to and including the processes cannot be laid at only the civilians to run affairs, they feel justified hatred of political opponents must cease elections, let no one be fooled. doorsteps of the politician and that us the to intervene and these interventions have forthwith and we must see ourselves as The voter registration exercise electorate are equally culpable. We are yielded, largely, no positive results. one people, engaging in a process of which was preceded by rancor and culpable because we expect promises of I pray, sincerely, that I am wrong hiring people to work for our welfare. We disagreement has finally began and like it utopia and for these promises we are and that these elections will come to pass can disagree on who is the better option or not, it is the end product of that process willing to give our thumbprints, especially without as much as a hiccup but if my but we must not fight over that matter, we that will form the basis for the election. if the said promises come oiled with gifts fears are vindicated then it is the youth can disagree on proposed policies but we This process, I hope, should not fall and donations. That is why I have been that will be the main actors. That is the must not spill blood on that score, we can victim to the alleged machinations and caught describing the whole exercise as an reason why I call upon the youth to tout the credentials of our preferred orchestrations that have supposedly auction and not an election, but I digress. acquaint themselves with the truth and candidate but we must never malign the jaundiced the register, leading to mistrust St. Jude, the biggest casualty of defend only said truth. I concede that opponent. and mutual name-calling. elections is the truth, and then decency, primal considerations and the cacophony St. Jude, if my memory serves me This exercise is bound to be they both take a sound beating but that has involved with the discourse make right, all these contestants claim to want to peppered with violence and unruly become the norm. What worries me this identifying the truth decidedly more come serve us, so why should that involve behaviour and the main culprits will time around is the courting of war, arising difficult but we all must endeavor to acrimony or slander, or insults or invariably be the youth. In fact, from the high stakes of this year’s think of our country Ghana, first. The defamation or threats of violence or throughout the electioneering processes, elections. The reckless grandstanding by youth must begin to interrogate the violence itself, why? the youth will be exploited to intimidate the two main political parties, sadly, has intentions of the political actors to I pray that you intercede on behalf of and mishandle opponents and this must the potential of plunging this nation into ascertain their real and not purported the youth of this country, that they be discouraged. For pittances, the largely violent conflict. The fact that the security intentions. They must make a judgement reexamine their political ways and direct unemployed and minimally educated services have been involved, ostensibly of the politicians’ intentions especially their energies to a worthwhile purpose rural and, in the city, marginalized youth, for keeping the borders safer from the ramifications of their actions for the and this they can only do by seeking out will experience a new relevance, a COVID-19 but with incidental utility for greater good. It is critical that I remind the truth and defending only same. relevance that peaks in election year. the youth that this country belongs to 6 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 National Catholic Blood Donation Campaign DuringBusinesses need the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)massive stimulus package – TUC

n view of the partial lifting of the ban handle it from there. [email protected] Committee on 0571 313133. on Church gatherings and to better 4. Churches should identify the iv. National Blood Service Ghana on Background Icoordinate the Catholic blood drive, month and date they intend to organize 0277 5010 10 (WhatsApp) The National Catholic Blood the National Catholic Blood Donation blood drives in advance so we are able to v. All their Social Media platforms Donation Campaign was initiated to Campaign Committee is proposing that schedule them appropriately. vi. Any other Media Outlet renew our commitment to society. Last the blood donation exercises be held at 5. Once scheduled, we encourage 6. They must encourage Catholics year, 6 dioceses participated and church premises. Like we were doing churches to publicize the blood donation and Men and Women of goodwill whose obtained 2,314 units of blood. The 6 before, the Blood Service will schedule a exercise. We realize that some churches Churches are not organizing blood drives Arch/Dioceses that participated were drive with the church and come to the already have their way of publicizing their to join those who have scheduled blood the Archdiocese of Accra, Cape Coast, church premise for the exercise, this time blood drives but below are additional drives, to help reach our target. Tamale, and the Diocese of Sunyani, however, adhering to strict social avenues they can explore to increase their 7. O n c e t h e b l o o d d r i v e i s Navrongo-Bolgatanga, and Techiman. distance protocols. visibility: completed, they should notify the groups In December, whiles celebrating the T h e s e a r e t h e s t e p s w e a r e a. Notify the Blood Donation Rep in point 5(d) above, about how many units birth of Christ, we were grateful to recommending: with date and time of blood were collected and share up to present the Gift of Life through our 2019 1. The church must identify a Blood b. Design a flier to be shared with five (5) pictures for publication. Blood drives. We would like to Donation Representative (BDR) who will the Church, the Catholic Community, and 8. The Blood Bank will issue donor continue this year with same theme, serve as the main contact for the blood others cards to donors within a month. The slogan and logo. donation campaign in the diocese. c. The flier should have the church contact person for the Church should Theme 2. If a church wants to conduct a logo and the National Catholic Blood please ensure all donors receive their Family of God: Give blood so blood donation exercise, they should call Donation Campaign logo, in addition to donor cards within 1 month after the blood others may live the Blood Donation Rep in the diocese to pertinent information such as date, time, donation exercise. Slogan notify him/her. Churches that already have venue, and contact person. 9. To ensure we get these exercises Be there for someone. Give Blood th contact with Blood Service Representatives d. completed by November 30 2020, we Logo can still contact them but must still notify The flier should be sent to the encourage all diocese to kindly sign up for Nationwide Target st the Blood Representative in the Diocese. following: their blood drives any date between now 2,500 units from 1 July 2020 to th 3. The Blood Donation Rep will then i. Church Bulletin till the end of the year. We humbly ask that November 30 2020 call the National Blood Service (NBS) in ii. N a t i o n a l C a t h o l i c B l o o d sign-ups are completed by 31st July 2020. (The initial estimate was 10,000 the region to put the church in contact with Donation Committee 10. G o t a d d i t i o n a l units for the year but it had to be NBS. The Church Contact/BDR and Blood ([email protected] questions? Please contact the National adjusted due to the Coronavirus Service will then exchange numbers and and 0571 313133 ) Blood Service, Ghana on 0277 50 10 10 or pandemic). iii. C a t h o l i c S t a n d a r d a t the National Catholic Blood Donation

leading to “confusion.” African Journalists Emphasise ‘Social Media “We have lots of communication channels,” Fr. Tatu noted, and added panel of Catholic Training’ for the Clergy need to do something that is “The confusion created by the new journalists in Africa at going out to the world and is media is something that we have to Aa v i r t u a l s e s s i o n presenting us well,” she stressed. work on.” (webinar) have stated that the “Is the content that goes “We need to scale down and ask media can best serve the out on social media platforms how we can use it in the best way; in a Church in Africa, if members always good?” she queried. way that it will be beneficial and we are of the Clergy are trained in Another panelist, Martin sure of the impact,” Fr. Paul said in his appropriate ways of engaging Kudakwashe Matambo said that presentation as one of the panellists. social media. digital media do present “the In his keynote address during the The training in social Church a platform to tell good virtual event, EWTN's Regional media is geared toward their stories, the story of its mission. Manager for Africa, George Wirnkar, “rightful use” lest they become As Communicators, we need to acknowledged with appreciation the “a destruction.” identify how to incorporate this significance of social media amid “It is clear that new media into the main mission of the COVID-19 restrictions and that the is fronting various opportunities Church.” Church has been able to reinvent itself that the Church should grab for “If we are to utilise the new by evangelising through digital gadgets. evangelisation. It is Biblical; it is media, we need to make sure our “Though the new ways of Christian and Christ-like and we content is good, it has quality and communication have sustained and, in should not be afraid to use the consistency,” Mr. Matambo who many ways, encouraged growth of the new and emerging media for is the Jesuits Communications local Church, what is going to happen evangelisation,” said Sr. Agnes Programmes Officer based in after Corona?” Mr. Wirnkar queried, Lucy Lando, one of the five Zimbabwe advised. and responded, “People are not going to panellists, June 26 Studies at the Kenya-based Angmor, stressed that training He added, “We need to do a move backwards and the Church has to S r. A g n e s L a n d o , a Daystar University, cautioned. must be taken “very seriously,” lot of market research before start reflecting so as to continue to be member of the Congregation of Hinting at possible topics considering that “social media producing content; sometimes relevant not just to the local Church but the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega for the training in appropriate has become our Church.” we are in the business of the old the global Church.” in Kenya, said “Social media has ways of engaging social media, Ms. Angmor, one of the Church, telling people the right The Cameroonian-born EWTN come in handy as an intervention the Kenyan-born Professor of five panellists added, “We need and wrong without answering official cautioned the Church leadership to bring unity, communion Communication asked “What is to bear in mind that it is not only questions.” in Africa against complacency and lack between Christians and the the right way that a pastor or the Catholic Church that is out In his contribution, Fr. of inventiveness in engaging digital Church leadership.” Christian needs to use social there in the new media space.” Paul Tatu, Communications media. “If we do not train both in media?” “We have to tap into what Officer at the Southern Africa “We have a risk of religious content and use, then we might T h e C o m m u n i c a t i o n s they are doing and make sure Conference of Catholic Bishops' migration. If we are not looking after n o t u s e t h e n e w m e d i a Officer of the Ghana-based that what we are doing is not (SACBC), observed that social our own, someone else will look after appropriately,” Sr. Lando, S y m p o s i u m o f E p i s c o p a l because we find ourselves in media has created multiple them for us, he said. recently appointed the Director Conferences of Africa and that space now but because we c o m m u n i c a t i o n c h a n n e l s ACI Africa of Research and Postgraduate Madagascar (SECAM), Faustina Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 7 Complement face shield with mask – Dr. Nsiah-Asare advises MPs he Presidential Advisor humans moved with it. Director-General of the Ghana Health of your door so if you are moving on Health, Dr Anthony “As much as practicable, I Service, also disclosed that the disease out, please put on your mask and TN s i a h - A s a r e h a s will entreat Honourable Members w a s f a s t s p r e a d i n g a m o n g try as much as possible to keep the cautioned against over-reliance that if you want to wear the shield communities, and that all must join in social distance,” he counselled. on face shield as a guard against and you are in the House debating, the fight against the respiratory Responding to calls for the coronavirus, stressing the please put on a mask”, he pleaded. infection. mass testing, Dr. Nsiah-Asare virus does not move until Dr. Nsiah-Asare, a former “It is a fight we must all join. We s a i d t h a t c o u l d b e now have local counterproductive, saying “If you transmission so keep testing, it gives you a false i t i s i n t h e hope and impression that you are NDC, NPP Urge Ghanaians to Register free. So it is better when we want community and Dr. Nsiah-Asare as Members of to do a test, we do a targeted one.” he two major political parties; the performing well, and running the affairs of the Parliament; I Despite the World Health New Patriotic Party (NPP) and country competently. Tell our story to the believe that you protect against the disease. . Organisation recommending that National Democratic Congress Ghanaian people, and tell it often.” are the right “If you wear face shield asymptomatic patients were T alone and you are debating, all (NDC), have urged Ghanaians, especially In a similar development, former people to assist unlikely to transmit the disease their supporters, to go out in their President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC in the fight in the droplets will be dropping after 10 days, and could be numbers to register in the ongoing voter presidential candidate, said on June 25 that the your various on the table and if you are discharged, Dr Nsiah-Asare said registration exercise. right to vote should not be curtailed. constituencies.” positive, anybody can pick the Ghana had not adopted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- “See this as a civic duty and your H e s a i d virus when he or she touches position 'hook, line and sinker.' Addo made the call, June 27, when he was contribution to the effort to preserve the right t h a t f a c e that surface…the mask is a He said the country was acclaimed as the Party’s presidential to vote...The process may be made s h i e l d s , must. If you wear the mask and adhering to its local specific candidate. deliberately slow and painful, but I encourage i n c r e a s i n g l y wash your hands under running r e g u l a t i o n s , a d d i n g t h a t “I am calling on every member and you all to endure it in so far as it would enable b e i n g water and you keep a distance, asymptomatic patients were sympathizer of the NPP and, indeed, on all you to vote….”, he said. patronised as you are most unlikely to being discharged only after 14 eligible Ghanaians, no matter what party His statement followed a Supreme Court protection, do contract the virus,” he stated. days. they belong to, to go out and register, so that ruling that the EC has the right to compile a not on their own “The virus is just in front ghanaweb.com they can exercise their civic responsibilities new voters’ register. on December 7 to elect a government of their Bernard Mornah, the national Chairman choice in a free, fair, peaceful, and of the People’s National Convention, in a transparent election,” he said. statement to the Ghana News Agency, also PREPARATION TOWARDS President Akufo-Addo said the called on Ghanaians to take possession of their COVID-19 pandemic, notwithstanding, right by registering for the voter ID card. THE VOTERS REGISTRATION Ghanaians had to strengthen the democratic The nationwide exercise according to credentials. the Electoral Commission is being conducted “I urge you, therefore, my dear friends under a cluster system, at 33,367 polling The following are the key items for consideration in the ongoing Voters’ and colleagues, to go out with the confidence stations. It will end on August 6, 2020. GNA Registration. that comes from your Government ACTIVITIES OF THE EC* 1. The Registration Duration (RD)* The EC will use *38 days* for the registration. The exercise started on 30th June and end on 6th August, 2020.*

2. The Registration Requirements (RR)* Ÿ Per the CI 126, a registrant requires any of the following: 1. Passport 2. NIA card 3. Two guarantors who have any of the above.

3. The Registration Method (RM)* Ÿ The EC is using the Cluster method. A cluster system is where several polling stations are grouped as one and allocated to a particular Registration Team. Ÿ With regard to this exercise, a cluster comprises *5 polling stations.* Ÿ Gomoa East for the purposes of this exercise will have *23 clusters* serving the *115 polling stations.*

4. The Registration Centers (RC)* Ÿ A Registration Centre is the polling station where the registration exercise will take place. Ÿ Based on the use of the Cluster system, there is going to be *23 Registration Centers in each phase*

5. The Registration Team (RT)* Ÿ A Registration Team is a set of EC Officials assigned to a registration machine within a particular cluster. Ÿ In all, there will be *23 Registration Teams* attending to all the 23 Registration Centers simultaneously. Ÿ Each Registration Team will include: 6. EC Officials 2. 1 security person 3. 1 health worker

*6The Registration Period (RP)* Ÿ The Registration Period will have *5 phases.* Ÿ A phase simply means the period that a RT will spend at a particular RC before moving to another one. Ÿ Each phase consists of 6 days for registration. Ÿ The 7th day will be reserved for preparation towards the next phase. Ÿ 3 days will also be reserved for mop-up in areas that need special attention. 8 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON UPDATES TO GHANA'S ENHANCED RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2020

ellow Ghanaians, good basic school has COVID-19 Confirmed Cases evening, and thank you for been mapped to a and Management Fhaving me in your homes, health facility, and As at Saturday, 27th June, once again. Two weeks ago, we c a r e w i l l b e 2020, our country has recorded begun the reopening of our schools, provided to the sick seventeen thousand, three hundred as part of the phased approach to i n t h e s e h e a l t h and fifty-one (17,351) confirmed bring our nation back to normalcy, facilities by nurses cases, with twelve thousand, nine following the outbreak of the novel assigned to these hundred and ninety-four (12,994) COVID-19 disease in our country. schools. recoveries, representing some S i n c e t h a t t i m e , f i n a l y e a r I a s s u r e a l l seventy five percent (75%) of University students, SHS 3 and SHS p a r e n t s a n d positives. This means that, 2 Gold Track students have all g u a r d i a n s t h a t currently, we have four thousand, returned to school. Government will two hundred and forty-five (4,245) Resumption of Junior High not put the lives of active cases, having conducted two Schools and Preparations seven hundred and hundred and ninety-four thousand, From, tomorrow, Monday, 29th f i f t y t h o u s a n d eight hundred and sixty-seven June, 2020, final year Junior High (750,000) students, (294,867) tests, one of the highest School students, in seventeen teachers and non- on the continent. Thirty (30) thousand, four hundred and thirty- President Akufo-Addo teaching staff, who persons are severely and critically nine (17,439) schools across the will be returning to ill, and we have a total of one country, will return to school to hundred and twelve (112) sad the adherence to the enhanced hygiene school from tomorrow, at risk. We prepare and sit for the Basic Education deaths, constituting 0.6% of and social distancing protocols by have made all the required provisions Certificate Examination (BECE). positives, as we maintain one of the authorities and students in our to protect them whilst in school. It They will be the final, and, indeed, the lowest death rates in the world. universities and other tertiary bears repeating, however, that they largest batch of students to return to Seek Early Medical Care institutions, and senior high schools. must all adhere strictly to enhanced school. and Treatment Yes, there have been a few hitches p e r s o n a l h y g i e n e a n d s o c i a l In all, we are expecting some Fellow Ghanaians, as I have surrounding the re-opening, but, distancing protocols, regularly wash seven hundred and fifty thousand stated before, one of the key objects largely, they have been smooth and their hands with soap under running (750,000) persons, comprising five of our fight against COVID-19 has seamless. water, refrain from shaking hands and hundred and thirty-two thousand been to save lives, and reduce the In these institutions, the washing hugging, and wear masks to protect (532,000) JHS 3 students, and two number of deaths. The Ghana of hands under running water, the themselves and others. Our survival, I hundred and eighteen thousand Health Service has observed that maintenance of social distancing, the repeat, is in our own hands, and, (218,000) teaching and non-teaching most of the patients that have been refrain from shaking hands and together, we can defeat this virus. staff, and invigilators, to be involved lost to the virus died either on arrival hugging, and the wearing of masks, Impact of COVID-19 in tomorrow’s exercise. at the hospital, or within forty-eight have become a part of the routine of We all know that these are truly To protect the lives of these ( 4 8 ) h o u r s a f t e r a r r i v a l . school life. historic times. The world is reeling students, and all other personnel, Unfortunately, we still have some We are determined to ensure the from the effects of this pandemic, and Government has put in place the persons in the country who are not same level of conformity in our Junior the things we took for granted, some relevant measures, in consultation taking the dangers associated with High Schools. So, through the District six (6) months ago, are now under with the Conference of Heads of Basic this disease seriously, and, Directors of Education and the question. The definite and undeniable Schools and Regional and District therefore, do not seek medical help District Directors of Health, a have been replaced with uncertainty. Directors of Education and Health. as soon as they have symptoms that COVID-19 sensitisation programme However, as with any other form Like Senior High Schools, suggest an infection of the virus. will be organized for all headteachers of hardship, there are always lessons Universities and other tertiary There should be no fear of and their teaching staff, from Monday, t o b e l e a r n e d , a s t h e r e a r e institutions, all Junior High Schools stigmatisation or embarrassment the first day of school. This will ensure opportunities for growth. What we across the country have been with being diagnosed with COVID- that the dos and donts of the protocols have witnessed, recently, is that, fumigated and disinfected. 19. So, please, when you begin to are clearly spelt out for the teachers for despite us living in an interconnected Additionally, we have procured experience symptoms such as fever, onward transmission to the students. and globalised world, each nation, and distributed forty-five thousand persistent cough, bodily pains, loss JHS 3 students will be in school ultimately, stands alone in its (45,000) Veronica Buckets; ninety of taste and smell, and difficulty in for eleven (11) weeks of preparation challenge to protect its people. thousand (90,000) gallons of liquid breathing, seek immediate medical and revision, before spending the Nonetheless, it is obvious that soap; ninety thousand (90,000) rolls of attention at the nearest health following week to take the BECE. international co-operation, where tissue paper; forty thousand (40,000) facility. There will be no more than thirty (30) feasible and practical, can serve to thermometer guns; seven hundred and Most patients, who are students in a class, and there will be a complement the resolution of national fifty thousand (750,000) pieces of critically ill and need intensive care, reduced school day, with students challenges. 200mils sanitizers; and 2.2 million do, indeed, survive the virus, if they reporting to school at 9am, and closing In Ghana, from the very onset, reusable facemasks, i.e. three per seek medical help promptly. For at 1pm. Government has acted to limit and person, all with the intent of example, out of fifty-three (53) No breaks outside the classroom stop the importation of the virus; guaranteeing the safety of the patients admitted into intensive care will be permitted; assemblies and contain its spread; provide adequate students, teaching and non-teaching units (ICU) at the Ga East sporting events are banned; and the care for the sick; limit the impact of staff. Two (2) masks each will be Municipal Hospital and the use by outsiders of school premises the virus on social and economic life; delivered tomorrow, and the third University of Ghana Medical for religious and other activities will and inspire the expansion of our within the next two (2) weeks. Centre, since the pandemic struck, not be allowed. As is the case for the domestic capability and deepen our I have been very impressed by other educational institutions, each self-reliance. continued on page 9 Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 9 PRESIDENT’S UPDATES TO GHANA'S ENHANCED RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2020

Continued from page 8 September. Again, all frontline health enhanced social distancing and guidelines. I will continue to engage workers, as defined by the Ministry of hygiene protocols will not only save with them and other stakeholders, in forty-four (44), i.e. eighty-three Health, will continue to receive the our lives, but also prevent our our efforts to defeat the virus. p e r c e n t ( 8 3 % ) , h a v e f u l l y additional allowance of fifty percent healthcare infrastructure from being Fellow Ghanaians, as we cross r e c o v e r e d , a n d h a v e b e e n (50%) of their basic salary per month, over-burdened. the halfway point of 2020, arguably discharged. i.e. for July, August and September. Let us wash our hands with soap one of the most difficult years in This is, in part, due to the I know the implementation of under running water, use alcohol- recent memory, I continue to feel a immense dedication and hard work this directive for the months of April, based sanitizers, maintain the sense of gratitude, determination and being exhibited by our healthcare May and June has been fraught with protocols on social distancing, avoid faith. Gratitude towards you, the workers, who continue to care for some challenges, caused, mainly, by person to person contact, eat our local Ghanaian people, who have shown those affected by the virus, and for the protracted discussions over the foods that boost our immune systems, such extraordinary grace and the sick in general. In recognition of definition of who qualifies as and, yes, wear masks at all times when selflessness throughout this difficult these efforts, I announced, during “frontline health workers” in this we leave our homes. These are the period. Determination in my work for my fifth (5th) address to the nation, context. I have, however, been weapons of our battle. all of you, bringing Ghana through on Sunday, 5th April, 2020, an assured that they have now been We must keep our guard up at all this crisis and beyond, and making incentive package to motivate and resolved, and payments will be times, and see to it that sooner, rather sure we come out of this stronger than express appreciation to all health effected from the end of June. I should than later, COVID-19 becomes ever before; and Faith in the One true workers for the months of April, reiterate that the insurance package nothing but a blip on our forward God who orders our every step. May and June. for health workers is still in place. march to sustained development, This too shall pass! For the Extend The Incentive Package Whilst we appreciate the efforts progress and prosperity. Battle is the Lord’s, and, with Him by For Health Workers of our health workers, I continue to Gratitude and Encouragement our side, we fear nothing but His I am happy to announce that I urge them to remain professional and I have been very encouraged by judgment, and need nothing but His have decided to extend the incentive compassionate. Every avoidable how our religious leaders have Grace. package for health workers by death, be it corona-related or not, is a supported and embraced the fight May God bless us all, and our another three (3) months. This tragedy. against COVID-19, despite their homeland Ghana, and make her great means that all health workers will Adherence to Safety Protocols concerns with some elements of the and strong. pay no income taxes for the next Let us all be reminded, in our prescribed safety protocols and I thank you for your attention. three months, i.e. July, August and daily routines, that adhering to the US government’s Centre for Disease Control

he US government’s Centre for hygiene”.* Disease Control (CDC) has made The typical environmental spread of activities: Tofficial the emerging scientific 6. Indoor spaces : *HIGH RISK* evidence on Coronavirus transmission: *BREATH* ~ *20 vp/minute* 7. Public Bathrooms/Common areas : *HIGH 1. Very low risk of transmission from *SPEAKING* ~ *200 vp/minute* FOMITE/SURFACE TRANSFER RISK* surfaces. 2. Very low risk from outdoor activities. *COUGH* ~ *200 MILLION vp* 8. Restaurants.: *HIGH RISK , can be 3. Very HIGH risk from gatherings in (enough of these may remain in air “reduced to medium risk” by surface touch enclosed spaces like offices, religious places, for hours in a poorly ventilated awareness.* cinema halls, gyms or theatres. environment) *SNEEZE* ~ *200 million vp* 9. Workplaces/Schools *(even with social These findings that have been emerging for distancing)* : *VERY HIGH RISK, including high a while need to be applied by people to manage *FORMULA* fomite transfer risk.* the situation in the best possible manner. *SUCCESSFUL INFECTION = (Exposure to Time to reduce panic about surface Virus x Time)* 10. Parties/Weddings : *VERY HIGH RISK* transmission, and not be too eager to go back to office. *SCENARIOS* 11. Business networking/conferences : LINK: 1. Being in vicinity of someone (with 6 ft *VERY HIGH RISK* https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2 distancing): *LOW RISK if limit to LESS than 45 020/05/21/virus-does-not-spread-easily- minutes* 12. Arenas/Concerts/Cinemas : *VERY contaminated-surfaces-or-animals-revised-cdc- HIGH RISK* website-states/ 2. Talking to someone face to face (with mask): *LOW RISK if limit to LESS than 4 minutes* *RISK FACTORS* LATEST FROM CDC, USA *The bottom line factors you can use to 3 . S o m e o n e p a s s i n g y o u b y, l i k e calculate your risk are* Q - W h o i s e x p e c t e d t o c a t c h walking/jogging/cycling : *LOW RISK* - indoors vs outdoors - narrow spaces vs large, ventilated spaces CORONAVIRUS? - high people density vs low people density Q - What does it take to infect? 4. Well-ventilated spaces, with distancing : *LOW RISK* (limit duration) - longer exposure vs brief exposure TO S U C C E S S F U L LY I N F E C T A The risks will be higher for former scenarios. PERSON, THE VIRUS NEEDS A DOSE OF 5. Grocery shopping : *MEDIUM RISK, “can be reduce to low” by “limiting time and following ~1000 VIRAL PARTICLES (vp) *STAY SAFE* 10 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Ghana Politics Today, Amid COVID-19: THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Analyses of Major Current Issues AS A RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL By Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Abbey-Quaye, Duquesne University, ENTITY IN THE COUNTRY Pittsburgh, USA By Rev. Fr. Godfred Ofori, St. Nicholas Parish, Preamble Kenyasi, Konongo-Mampong Diocese All things being equal, Ghanaian voters will head to the polls on December 7 n 15th March, 2020, during Mass, I told my church members, let us pray this year to elect a President and 275 the virus does not prevent us from meeting as it is happening in some Members of Parliament in the general Ocountries. My comment was prophetic and it came to pass when the elections scheduled for that day. As is President of the nation addressed us that evening that all gatherings including usually the case in the run-up to elections in religious activities were to close. Our bishops cooperated with the directives from Ghana, the country’s political landscape at the President and we closed all Churches for three good months. It was quiet a present is awash with many political longer time but who else could trade human life on the table of worship. Life is activities. These include the Electoral indeed precious and as a Church, we always respect and preserve life, so there Commission’s limited registration exercise was no mass gathering. and preparations to compile a new voters’ Covid-19 may be part of us for long but we have to allow certain things to move register, the conduct of parliamentary on like worship, primaries, conferences and so forth. The President addressed the primaries by the ruling New Patriotic Party nation and gave religious bodies the go ahead to meet but with certain precautions. The (NPP) and the party’s acclamation of Fr. Abbey-Quaye bishops met and they gave us some guidelines based on what the President and the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Minister said. My parish for instance bought four (4) infrared thermometer, four (4) as the party’s presidential candidate and his rolled out by the Commission, and generally, Veronica buckets, tissues, hand sanitizers and the like. We had to even invite the Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as running to assess preparedness for the intended mass fumigation/disinfection team from the Kwabre Municipal Assembly to fumigate and mate for the upcoming presidential registration exercise and the elections proper. disinfect all the Churches in the parish at a fee. We were told that task force will be elections, the weekly press conferences on Thus far, the exercise has been described as coming round to check how we obeyed or are obeying the protocols. That was why the the state of the nation being organised by the smooth and successful and we can only hope disinfection or fumigation had to be done by a recognized body like that of the opposition National Democratic Congress and pray that it becomes even better when the Municipality and even there should be an issue of certificate which we obeyed, (NDC) and the party’s preparations to select mass registration takes place. To help the EC because we had no option than to go by them. Meanwhile, I am yet to get my certificate a running mate to partner ex-president, Mr. to prepare adequately to organize a credible, for the Church at Kenyasi after over a month of the work done. John D. Mahama, in the upcoming free, fair and transparent elections come Again, we were asked to disinfect the place after every one hour of Church December polls, among others. December 7, all citizens and groups will need service and I had to comply because I respect the status quo. To the lay man, THE With these and many other activities to give the Commission the necessary VIRUS COULD BE AT THE CHURCH OR ON THE PEWS FOR THE THREE taking place in Ghana currently, it is evident support, encouragement and cooperation. MONTHS WE CLOSED THE CHURCH and that called for the fumigation. Again, that the political season is here with us again The second important issue is the the virus can still be left on the pews or in the Church when we meet as 100 people to and that from now on till the general judgement rendered on June 25 by the worship for 1 hour. As laymen we accepted the protocols as they fell in. elections, the country is expected to witness Supreme Court on the EC’s intention to Just this morning as I came out from my presbytery, lo and behold a man from the the intense politicking that has come to be compile a new voters register. Previously, “Local Electoral Commission” was posting something on the doors of our Church associated with the periods before, during two separate suits had been filed by the premises (without our permission). Guess what? He was posting the publication for and after elections in Ghana. opposition National Democratic Congress the impending registration exercise. I allowed him to post them but I asked him the More significantly, this year’s (NDC) party and one Mr. Mark Takyi- days they will spend on the registration and he said at least 12 days. I am a new pastor electioneering process leading to the Banson, a private citizen, against the here so I do not know what has been going on in the past. When I inquired, I was told elections will be markedly different from all Commission’s intention to compile a new that they always do the registration in front of my parish Church. Hence, during this previous ones owing to the presence of the voter’s register. The plaintiffs had prayed the pandemic which we cannot enter our Church nor its premises beyond an hour for novel coronavirus pandemic in the country. Court to stop the EC from going ahead to worship, they will carry out registration exercise at the same premises for more than Since Ghana recorded its first case of compile a new register, but if the Court five hours a day in about twelve days. coronavirus in early March this year, the granted the Commission the go ahead to The Catholic Church has a social responsibility to the state that is why we have disease has thus far infected over 15,000 compile the new register, it should compel been given our facilities and premises across the country to be used as isolation centers with over 11,000 recoveries and close to 100 the Commission to allow the use of voter ID in this pandemic. deaths. The reality of the coronavirus cards and birth certificates for the From my interrogation, they are not ready to disinfect the premises after every situation in Ghana is that there is no sign of registration. The NDC and Mr. Takyi- exercise. They did not make any provision for that and according to the man, they will the infection abating anytime soon and the Banson had argued that a compilation of a wear mask, apply sanitizers, use veronica bucket and the rest so that is fine. I do not disease seems to have come to stay with us. new register was a waste of money and was think they will check temperatures and tell “supposed infected persons” to go back This reality, coupled with the absence of untenable due to the limited time prior to the without registering; but that is their own problem. appropriate vaccines to cure it at present and December elections. BUT my worry is “if a virus can stay in a closed church for three months so we the question of whether people will risk Additionally, they had contended that needed the municipal assembly to fumigate or disinfect, if the virus can be on the pews going out in their numbers to register to vote the non-use of voter ID cards for any so we need disinfection after every 1 hour Mass, what prevents the EC who wants to in the December 7 elections, makes for some intended voter registration would use OUR OWN FACILITY for its exercise to disinfect after every exercise? Are the anxious and interesting times ahead. disenfranchise many eligible voters. In its EC workers free from the virus or are the electorates free from the virus? What if the With the above perspective in mind, I response, the EC submitted a 32-page virus stays and a church member contracts it after the exercise. Won’t they blame it on intend in this article to carry out a brief statement to the Supreme Court to justify its the opening of Churches? Won’t they collapse my Church for having just one covid-19 political-theological analysis of some of the decision to compile a fresh voter register and patient? These are the questions I put before the man and still contemplating but I am current and emerging political issues in disallow the use of voter ID cards and birth yet to get answers. Ghana. I will at the end propose a few certificates. thoughts on the way forward. I cannot be an anti-citizen for I will always support what the nations does but The Supreme Court, on June 25, gave a with this, I am tempted to close our facilities because of the spread. If religious (A) Beginning from the Backyard unanimous decision, affirming the EC’s right members’ lives matter, then citizens’ lives matter too. If I am to protect the life of my of the Electoral Commission to compile a new voter register, in As far as the work of Ghana’s members at every Mass which I do, I must do that from external “possible carriers of accordance with the Constitutional Electoral Commission is concerned, three the virus.” Instrument, CI 126, which in effect excludes things are worthy of note or mention. The This is what I am experiencing at Kwabre Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region or the use of voter ID cards and birth certificates first one is the limited voter registration better still St. Nicholas Parish- Kenyasi under Konongo Mampong Diocese. I write as valid documents for registration. There exercise taking place at selected polling this as an individual entity who wants to create this awareness. I am solely responsible may or may not be a return of the parties to stations across the country. According to the for this write-up and I pray I get things done for the Church and her members at the Court for more clarification on the ruling, Commission, this exercise is to afford her Kenyasi. If you experience same, you can join me as I humbly ask the EC to disinfect but for now, the Supreme Court has spoken staff and other stakeholders the opportunity our facilities after every exercise or better still, NO DISINFECTION, NO FACILITY. definitively, and so life goes on. to familiarise themselves with the new I am entitled to this opinion as an individual. I will always be a “citizen and not a biometric kits, to test the safety protocols spectator” but this time I am a citizen who happens to be a pastor of souls. GOD To be cont’d next week BLESS US ALL Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 11

the ordinandi to the Archbishop having Tamale Archdiocese Gets Three New Priests testified to their worthiness for ordination. The newly ordained Priests he Most Rev. Philip Naameh, entered the St. Victor’s Major Seminary Metropolitan Archbishop of in 2011 to begin the nine -year journey TTamale on June 27, 2020, to the priesthood. They continued at the ordained three Deacons, Reverends St. Michael’s Major Seminary at Kaleo, Vitus Zogho, Charles Monkonsoh in the Wa Diocese, where they studied and Isaac Kelvin Minnow, to the spirituality for one year. priesthood. On behalf of his colleagues, Fr. The ordination, which took place Minnow expressed their gratitude to at the Our Lady of Annunciation the Archbishop, their parents, Cathedral, Tamale, recently. Due to the formators, benefactors, parishes, COVID-19 pandemic, the ordination Ordination Planning Committee, was restricted to a handful of the church Societies, and all who in diverse ways members, representatives of Church had supported their formation and societies, the Religious, seminarians ordination. and 35 concelebrating priests, including From Francis E. Monnie, Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Yitiereh, Vicar CAMP-G General of the Archdiocese and Archbishop Naameh with the newly ordained Priests. Formators from the St. Victor’s Major Seminary (SVMS). individuals, groups and their families The Archbishop reminded the also presented them with gifts. ordinandi that Jesus’ self-offering in Rev. Fr. Daniel Fuseini Saaka, Vice Marshallans Support Korle-Bu responding positively to His Fathers Rector of SVMS, had earlier presented call, involved a certain measure of Cancer Department suffering, adding that those who may be unwilling to submit themselves to this call on behalf of Christ, will be considered as having betrayed Him. He reminded the ordinandi that their ordination would not take away their capacity to sin, assuring them that if they remain focused in Christ and accept their share of challenges they would reap the blessings that awaits any faithful servant. Archbishop gave the newly ordained Priests GH¢1000 each, while

COVID-19 Restrictions Are for Our Own Good – NCCE * Zan Akologo, supported by some Marshallans, presenting he restrictions imposed a dummy cheque for 1,000 pounds to Dr. Yarney (right) a s a r e s u l t o f t h e Te m e r g e n c e o f t h e By Damian Avevor church society was not only a spiritual for the patients, research and training. COVID-19 pandemic in the group, but also committed to charity and Present at the ceremony were Dr. country are for our own good, ouncil 87 and Court 82, London humanitarian services. Henry Awuviri of the Anaesthesia South branch of the Knights and Receiving the cheque, Dr. Joel Department of KBTH, Respected Lady Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, the CLadies of Marshall have donated Yarney, Director and Oncologist of the Clare Banoeng-Yakubo, Grand Court Northern Regional Director of 1,000 pound sterling to the National NCRNM thanked the Marshallans and Coordinator of MAREDES and Grand the National Commission for Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear gave an assurance that the money would Communications Officer and Linda Civic Education (NCCE), has Medicine (NCRNM), Korle-Bu Teaching be used for its intended purpose of caring Anthonio of Court 58, Madina, Accra. said. Hospital (KBTH), Accra. It is part of the message the Representing the S o u t h L o n d o n Northern Regional Directorate of Marshallans were Sir Kt. THANK YOU ST. JUDE NOVENA the NCCE carried to communities H i l a r y M e i z a n a n d Respected Lady Georgina Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church and identifiable groups in the region honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of throughout June, as part of its Meizan. things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use P r e s e n t i n g t h e I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and continuing education on the amount, June 24 at the speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this COVID-19 pandemic. conference room of the great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my The NCCE has deployed NCRNM was Samuel necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (here make your request) that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. Z a n A k o l o g o , t h e mobile vans and gone on radio I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to S u p r e m e C o u n c i l stations to reach out to communities always honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully C o o r d i n a t o r o f encourage devotion to you. Amen. and identifiable groups across the th MAREDES, a relief Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8 day, your prayer will be region. a g e n c y o f t h e answered. It has never been known to fail. GNA Marshallans. Publication must be promised. He noted that the – MSE 12 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 “Basic Needs – Ghana” Supports There’s a lot to Learn from the COVID-19 – Borderless Alliance ‘Witches’ Camps support farming activities by mental health and o f w o m e n a c c u s e d o f the alleged witches, and also r. Ziad Hamoui, the National President of the Borderless d e v e l o p m e n t witchcraft. to procure a tricycle to help Alliance, Ghana, has said there are lessons from the a d v o c a c y Mr. Peter Badimak them fetch firewood. A economic storm brought about by the coronavirus organisation, the “Basic Yaro, the Executive Director, R e c e i v e d t h e M pandemic. who made the presentations in donations, Rev. Sr. Monica N e e d s - G h a n a , ” h a s He said the current arrangement where Africa exported raw Tamale recently, explained that Yahaya noted that they were presented a motorbike and a resources to support economic growth could no longer work to the the motor bike is to be used by the largest ever received in cheque for GH¢ 35,000 to the advantage her people. the ANAWIM Missionary Ghana from any person or ANAWIM Missionary Sisters “It is time that Africans brought about the changes that will Sisters for their monitoring organization, and expressed (Poorest of the Poor), based in transform the Continent into a global economic powerhouse, one that work, while the funds are to gratitude to the Board and the Yendi Diocese in support adds value to its resources and fulfils the rising expectations of the Management of the people,” Mr Hamoui said this in a statement at the official launch of the “Basic Needs – African Continental Free Trade Agreement in Niamey, Niger. G h a n a ” f o r He said the Agreement represented the best opportunity to supporting the poor accelerate Africa's development beyond the current consumer society a n d v u l n e r a b l e and more towards a truly productive and thriving one. i n m a t e s o f t h e He said there was the need to re-launch the conversation about the alleged witches' oneness of the Continent, its relevance and that this must be done in camps. practice to avoid having to write endless pages of complex vocabulary, T h e A N A W I M which got lost in translation, as it crossed the many boundaries. Missionary Sisters, “Our Continent is home to the world's most strategic resources: since 21012 cater abundant arable land, precious minerals and a priceless, vibrant young for alleged witches population that is willing to learn and to adapt…We need to monitor and camps, located at guide the use of these resources, and to change the paradigm, from K p a t i n g a , trading with Africa to trading across Africa,” he said. Gushiegu, Nabuli, “We can also aim to provide a competitive and reliable alternative *Mr. Yaro (left), presenting the cheque to Rev. Sr. Yahaya. Gnani and Kukuo in for investors who want to reduce their supply chain risk and bring their In the background are the motor bike the Yendi Diocese. manufacturing and production closer home”. GNA and staff of the “Basic Needs – Ghana” From Francis E. Monnie, CAMP-G Tamale Priests Donate to St. Lucy Polyclinic

h e T a m a l e pandemic. members of TADPA also see Archdiocesan Priests Vicar General Very Rev. this gesture as a religious duty as TAssociation (TADPA) Fr. Matthew Yitiereh presented Christ cared for the vulnerable have donated GH¢ 6,470.00 t h e i t e m s o n b e h a l f o f and the sick”. worth of Veronica buckets, Archbishop Philip Naameh, T h e C a t h e d r a l gallons of liquid soap, pieces Metropolitan of Tamale. Administrative Secretary, Rev. of flora tissue and gallons of The Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Sr. Donata Kanmwaa, received hand sanitizers to the St. Lucy Damnyag, President of TADPA the items and praised TADPA Polyclinic in Tamale as their observed that the fight against for the thoughtfulness contribution in the fight the pandemic required support Present at the presentation a g a i n s t t h e C o v i d - 1 9 from everyone, adding “we the

Bishop Baawobr Blesses Chrism Oils The items he Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Baawobr, Bishop of the Wa TDiocese, recently celebrated Chrism Mass at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cathedral, Wa where he blessed oils for the sick and catechumens and consecrated chrism oil to be used to administer the Sacraments in the diocese. At a meeting with the Priests of the diocese after Mass, Bishop Baawobr advised them to abide by guidelines on religious activities, as outlined by the President of Ghana. He presented veronica buckets, nose masks, carbolic soap, hand sanitizers, and Very Rev. Fr. Yitiereh (right) presenting thermometer guns to each Parish and the items to Sr. Kanmwaa. Institution to help in the fight against the coronavirus. ceremony were Rev. Fr. Treasurer, Rev. Fr. Hilary This year’s scheduled celebration Boniface Maasoayele, Vice Pogbeyir, member and some could not come on, April 8, due to Covid-19 President, Rev. Fr. Joseph N. O. management personnel and restrictions. S ackey, S ecretary, Rev. staff of the polyclinic. From Aloysius Kpiebaya From Francis E. *Bishop Baawobr blessing the oils. Fr.Anthony Kankam Frimpong, Monnie, CAMP-G Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 13

of Staff, Julius Debrah, former NDC names Joshua Alabi as Campaign Minister of Information, Kofi Totobi Quakyi and Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu. Manager for Dec 7 elections T h e r e s t a r e H u d u Yahaya, , National Youth o r m e r V i c e - t h e N a t i o n a l C a m p a i g n m e e t i n g b y Organizer George Opare Addo, Chancellor of the Manager after a meeting of the NDC’s Director of Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, FU n i v e r s i t y o f party’s Functional Executive Communications Dr. Valerie Sawyer, the party’s Professional Studies, Accra Committee (FEC) on Monday, Kakra Essamuah. Director of Elections Elvis (UPSA) Professor Joshua June 29. T h e Afriyie Ankrah, Ambassador Alabi has been named John The former Member of N a t i o n a l Vi c t o r S m i t h , N a t i o n a l D r a m a n i M a h a m a ’ s Parliament will be assisted by Campaign Team Organiser; Joshua Akamba, Campaign Manager for the former Deputy Chief of Staff Dr is expected to National Women’s Organizer December 7 elections. Alex Segbefia, who was also p r o s e c u t e t h e Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw, P r o f A l a b i , w h o instrumental in getting the late agenda to reclaim National Zongo Caucus challenged Mr Mahama in the John Evans Atta Mills elected in power from the C o o r d i n a t o r , A l h a j i presidential primary of the 2008. N e w P a t r i o t i c Mohammed Mamah, Former National Democratic Congress These were contained in a Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region Minister (NDC) last year, was named as statement issued after the D e c e m b e r 7 Prof Alabi Samuel Sarpong and Dr. Nana Ama Brown Klutse. elections. “All campaign activities Among the members are will be under the policy streets of the nation’s capital, also Lt. Col. (rtd) Larry Gbevlo- direction of the National said he was angry about “the Lartey, who will serve as the Steering Committee to be senseless and brutal killing of Director of Operations of the chaired by the National George Floyd.” campaign, James Agyenim Chairman, Samuel Ofosu- Our military must learn from Ampofo,” the statement said. best practices and resist the Boateng, who acts as the Army was prepared to ensure that Campaign Spokesperson, “In accordance with the repeated temptations to get party’s constitution, the Ghana was peaceful before, during Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh and and after the 2012 presidential and themselves involved in civilian coordination of all the various i s s u e s . T h e A k u f o - A d d o Ms. Margaret Ansei serving as parliamentary elections.” How aspects of the campaign will be 29th June, 2020 Administration must understand t h e D e p u t y C a m p a i g n was the military prepared then as under the leadership of the For Immediate Release that we are no more in a military Spokespersons and General they are now to get into the middle General Secretary, Johnson The Progressive People’s junta where the military could be (rtd) R S Blay serving as the of a civilian democratic activity? Asiedu Nketiah.” Party (PPP) has learned about the deployed in civilian matters. We Strategic Advisor to the use of the Ghana Armed Forces in We contrast this willingness call on the administration to Further information on Campaign Team. civil matters. We are in a civilian, of the Ghanaian Armed Forces to condemn in no uncertain terms the t h e N a t i o n a l S t e e r i n g b e u s e d b y a c i v i l i a n democratic dispensation; so ethnocentric comments made by Other members of the Committee and the campaign administration to what happened deploying the military to exert the MP for Adansi Asokwa, Mr. t e a m i n c l u d e N a t i o n a l structure will be announced force domestically must be in the USA recently, when K.T. Hammond about the people in Communications Officer authorities used tear gas and later, Mr Essamuah assured in condemned by all. We are of the the Volta Region. Sammy Gyamfi, former Chief the statement. opinion that if there is an extreme rubber bullets to scatter protesters It is our considered opinion situation where the President in the Lafayette Square, to enable that in a constitutional era, state needs to use the military in severe President Donald Trump take a actors must avoid sending a o r u n p r e c e d e n t e d w a y s picture in front of a Church. In the terrible message to create the domestically that can affect case of the U.S., the chairman of impression that we are now Govt. Grants Additional Ghanaian citizens, then it is of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. m i l i t a r i s i n g d o m e s t i c l a w utmost importance for him to Mark Milley, recently apologized enforcement and risk damaging Incentives to Frontline secure specific authority from in a video commencement address the military’s relationship with the Parliament. to the National Defense University broader civilian population. We Health Workers Similarly, it is important for accompanying President owe ourselves a responsibility to t h a t w e d o n o t a l l o w t h e Trump to the photo opportunity at strengthen the constitutional authorities to act in a fanciful the Washington, D.C., church. dispensation that has allowed he President has announced an additional 50% basic salary manner capable of creating fear “ M y p r e s e n c e i n t h a t political parties to compete and allowance of three months for frontline health workers, as and panic and also preventing moment and in that environment win power to administer the affairs Twell as a 3-month income tax waiver for all other health civilians from exercising their created a perception of the military of the nation. workers for July, August and September. th democratic rights. We are very involvement in domestic politics. The president should not try In his 13 nationwide address, June 29, President Nana Addo much concerned about the reports As a commissioned uniformed to portray himself as being more in Dankwa Akufo-Addo gave an assurance that the April, May and June that a security contingent which officer, it was a mistake that I have charge than he actually is. Say NO incentives, announced May 5 to frontline health workers, as defined by includes the military and the learned from”, Milley said. to the deployment of the military in the Health Ministry would soon be paid. domestic issues. Ghana Immigration Service have Milley, who wore combat He said the delay in payment was “due to protracted discussions of fatigues during the controversial Signed, been deployed heavily into some who qualified as “frontline health worker”. appearance with Trump on the Paa Kow Ackon communities along the Ghana- Quoting the Ghana Health Service, Communication Director Togo boarder such as Wudoaba, the President said most of the Covid-19 Korpeyia and Anoenu since deaths in Ghana occurred, either on Monday, June 22, 2020. arrival at the hospital, or within 48 hours It would be recalled that not THANK YOU ST. JUDE NOVENA after arrival. too long ago, Maj. Bright Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church He announced that schools would Basuglo, the Chief Instructor at honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of be re-opened to 750, 000 final year Junior the jungle warfare school in the things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use High School pupils, teachers and non- Eastern Region, is reported to I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and teaching staff, June 29, for preparation have said that, “the military is speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this and writing of the basic education fully prepared for the December great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my certificate examinations (BECE). polls and Ghanaians must believe necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (here make your President Akufo-Addo said in us.” The question we are asking request) that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. adequate anti-Covid-19 measures and is, should the military be used to I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to precautionary equipment had been put in exert force domestically against always honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully place to guarantee the safety of students G h a n a i a n s i n a c i v i l i a n encourage devotion to you. Amen. th and staff, dispensation? Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8 day, your prayer will be It is interesting to note that answered. It has never been known to fail. Ghana’s COVID-19 confirmed positive cases has risen to 17,351 and 112 in 2012, the then Acting Chief of Publication must be promised. Defence Staff, Rear Admiral deaths, with 12,994 recoveries and 4,245 Quarshie reiterated that “the – Charlotte active cases and 112 deaths, as at June 27. 14 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020

news service. His answer was, “Be sure to find the right African Media Practitioners Recall Memorable person for each job and pay whatever it takes to engage that person. This is especially important Moments with U.S. Cleric Who “married” Media for people whose positions directly involve journalism tasks such as editing,” Fr. Don Bosco recalls. he world is mourning the passing on in the West African country are the majority Fr. Astorino also once said that he had of Rev. Fr. Robert (Bob) Astorino shareholder recalls. learnt from his own experience of managing Tw h o “ m a r r i e d m e d i a The two met in 2007 during a Plenary media outlets in Asia that full-time personnel professionalism” for the Church in Asia, Assembly of the then Pontifical Council for working in different parts of the continent must founding the Union of Catholic Asian News Social Communications, in the Vatican. At be paid according to their locality. (UCA News) and serving as its Executive that time, Sir Assorow had been mulling over In another advice to the Diocese of Director for 30 years. an idea to start a Church media outlet (a Rumbek Priest, Fr. Astorino also advised, But as far as Catholic journalism in News Agency) that would allow Africans to “Hiring an unqualified person as an editor just Africa is concerned, the Maryknoll Missionary tell their own stories on the continent that because their salary would be lower than that of Priest will be remembered as a mentor, the man was witnessing a steady growth of the a genuinely qualified person would be really who brought to life a dream that was conceived Catholic Church. counterproductive for the whole news service.” to “allow Africans to tell their own stories to the “At that time, we didn’t have a “He was very keen on emphasising the rest of the world.” Catholic Church platform that told African need to have an editorially ‘independent news Fr. Astorino, a native of New York city, stories by Africans themselves. The media service’ that can tell Africa’s story from a died on Thursday, June 25 at a New York State we consumed was presented from outside Catholic faith perspective,” Fr. Don Bosco hospital in the United States aged 77. Africa,” he says and adds, “I had shared the Fr. Astorino further says. Sir Benedict Assorow, the Managing idea with some of my friends and I needed a He recalls Fr. Astorino’s advice in that Editor of The Catholic Standard in Ghana, first force to realize it.” Onyalla who had diocesan and national regard, “CANAA should not be tied to met the Maryknoll Priest in the late 1980s It was Fr. Astorino who jolted the idea experiences in setting up a network of radio SECAM if it wants to be respected as a credible, when he attended the International Catholic into motion, helping him organize meetings stations in South Sudan and Nigerian-born Fr. professional and independent news service. If it Union of the Press (UCIP) in Europe. in Rome, Ghana and Nairobi, Kenya where Patrick Tor Alumuku who had worked at the stays closely linked with SECAM, it can only “Fr. Astorino struck me as a very jovial plans were put in place to start the Catholic Africa Service of Vatican Radio for over a be regarded as a public relations venture of the man with a ready smile. He oozed a lot of News Agency for Africa (CANAA), a decade, among others. African Bishops.” positivity and he would crack jokes that left us continental news agency that gave voice to It will be recalled that Archbishop As for Fr. Alumuku, who founded reeling in laughter for a long time,” recalls Ben, Catholics in Africa. Charles G. Palmer-Buckle, then Treasurer of Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV), a adding that he made a pint to take the Priest’s Playing the advisory role in the SECAM and Board Chair of CANAA made a television network that is uniting Christians contact details during their first meeting and establishment of CANAA, Fr. Astorino lot of personal financial contributions to the across Africa’s most populous nation, news of kept close contact with him. sought to model CANAA to UCA News, News Agency. Fr. Astorino’s death was shocking. Sir Assorow who served as the Director recalls Sir Asssorow. Fr. Don Bosco, a priest of the Diocese “I am stunned by the news of the passing of Communication at the Ghana-based “He made it an independent news of Rumbek in South Sudan who served as away of Fr. Bob Astorino, priest and journalist Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of agency, not relying on other media outlets for CANAA’s first Coordinator remembers a of repute,” Fr. Alumuku told ACI Africa. Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) for over a content, but with staff in a number of media guru who always had his back in the Fr. Alumuku who doubles as Director of decade narrated his encounter with Fr. Astorino countries who furnished it with enough management of the news agency. Communications in the Catholic Archdiocese in an interview with ACI Africa ahead of the content,” he says in reference to UCA News, “The Maryknoll Missionary in Asia of Abuja recalls meeting Fr. Astorino in one of burial of the Maryknoll Cleric on Tuesday, Asia’s largest Catholic news service, which always expressed his availability to share his the meetings towards the establishment of June 30. Fr. Astorino founded in 1979. wisdom gained from decades of service in CANAA in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. “I also remember him for his love of With three media pundits on the Catholic media,” Fr. Don Bosco says. “He (Fr. Astorino) had an incredible cigarettes. He loved to smoke and he always continent who were well grounded in He narrates a past incident where on wealth of experience in journalism. He came to had a mug of coffee in his hand. Most of the Catholic journalism, CANAA hit the ground reaching out to Fr. Astorino, the Maryknoll Nairobi from Hong Kong where he was time when he sat down to write, he had a running in 2013 and over time became a Priest regretted that he was not available at working at the Union of Catholic Asian News cigarette at the corner of his mouth and coffee point of reference for Church news in Africa. the time and promised to reach him later. (UCAN),” Fr. Alumuku says, and adds, “His with him,” Sir Assorow who is managing The These included Sir Assorow who served in “After having been away for some tremendous contributions shed light to the task Catholic Standard, Ghana’s national Catholic Bishops’ communications outlets in Ghana weeks, he wrote back, ‘I am here to resume of setting up the African Catholic news weekly newspaper where the Catholic Bishops and SECAM, Kenyan-born Fr. Don Bosco our conversation whenever you invite me to agency.” do so on whatever subject you care to Born on May 27, 1943, Fr. Astorino was educated in Catholic schools in his home city of United Nations. Heads discuss’,” recalls Fr. Don Bosco. Pope Appeals For Peace, Support Fr. Don Bosco who later became the New York before entering Maryknoll as a of several UN agencies head of the Association for Africa seminarian. For War-ravaged Syria are also participating. Information (ACI Africa), a news Service for Following his ordination in 1970, Fr. T h e U n i t e d the African continent, says in reference to Fr. Astorino went to Hong Kong in 1971 and Nations World Food Astorino, “I found him pragmatic in his helped launch the Hong Kong Catholic Social Programme (WFP) has approaches and forthright in speech.” Communications Office where he was assistant made an impassioned In the couple of meetings that Fr. Don director for several years. appeal for funding to Bosco and Fr. Astorino attended, the late After conducting a feasibility study on sustain its massive Priest underscored the necessity to have church information needs in Asia, he launched nutrition programme financial resources to run Church projects. UCA News in 1979 to provide news for the w o r l d w i d e . I t In one of the numerous letters that Fr. Catholic Church in Asia, eventually establishing 14 news bureaus to cover 22 estimates that 9.3 Don Bosco received from his mentor, Fr. Astorino wrote, “CANAA’s major challenge countries. million Syrians, which Fr. Astorino is known for pioneering is more than half of the right now is to secure the funds it needs to develop as a competent and credible news Catholic media in Asia and mentoring many country's population, people in journalism, with those he trained are now food insecure. service. Without money, nothing can happen. No money, no talk, as the Chinese say.” p r o c e e d i n g t o w o r k i n C a t h o l i c T h e w o r l d ' s It is a challenge that led to some communications and in secular media. *Displaced Syrians join a convoy in Aleppo province largest humanitarian challenges of Sir Assorow’s brainchild. He His ministry in Catholic journalism drew organization, which is says, “It makes me sad that CANAA folded recognition from high places. He served as a s the United Nations might improve the dramatic assisting almost 100 up because we didn’t have the funds to steer it member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for warns that Syrian situation of the Syrian people million people in forward. We had the backing of the Bishops Social Communication. the Catholic Press communities are and those nearby, especially in around 83 countries within SECAM but lacked the moral as well Association in the U.S. recognized him in 1998 A with the Bishop John England Award, which facing an unprecedented Lebanon, in this serious social- each year, has warned as financial support of the rest of the Church.” hunger crisis, Pope Francis political and economic crisis, about the spectre of Fr. Don Bosco attests to the fact that honors “publishers who used the Catholic press has urged nations to fund and which the pandemic has made hunger looming large many people have gained from Fr. Astorino’s to defend the rights of religion and individuals in a free society.” support people suffering in even more difficult,” he said at over Syria. wealth of experience in overseeing Catholic In their condolence messages, the three the Middle East. the Angelus address on June 27. The UN's food- media outlets “with a significant audience.” “In the process of establishing ACI media practitioners in Africa remember a Pope Francis made the The Pope mentioned the assistance agency is humble, generous and jovial man who “gave appeal in connection with the countless children who suffer helping 4.8 million Africa, I am finding Fr. Astorino’s advice about having a lean staff at the headquarters himself wholly in the field of communications 4th Brussels Conference on hunger, and urged leaders to p e o p l e w i t h f o o d in the Church.” assistance in Syria, but (HQ) spot on,” the Priest says of the agency “Supporting the Future of Syria seek peace. that he has been managing since August last In his farewell remarks to the late t o c o n t i n u e t h e and the Region” scheduled on The online Brussels year. Maryknoll Missionary Priest, the Abuja-based June 30th. donor-pledging conference is p r o g r a m m e W P F At some point, the ACI Editor-in-Chief CTV founder says, “He served God writing, “Let us pray for this being hosted by the European urgently needs $200 once asked the Maryknoll Priest how to go may God write his name in the book of life.” important meeting, so that it Union and co-chaired by the million. Vatican news. about staff remuneration for a continental ACI Africa AFP Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 11, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 15 th Reflection on 14 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Ps 145; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 God's Word By Rev. Fr. Samuel Christopher Vodzogbe Of the numerous titles to take a step down and level with them given to Christ is the is the mark of humility we are to Prince of Peace. emulate. T h e f i r s t r e a d i n g T h e s e c o n d m a r k o f presents a King coming discipleship of Christ is if we are to Jerusalem (which people who promote peace. To oday's Epistle remind us of means City of Peace) riding on a promote true peace, one must first our relationship with God. young donkey as opposed to the eliminate whatever disturbs the peace TThis relationship has it horse and the chariot which were as the King who banished the weapons origin in baptism, and is animated the means of war in those days. Not of war in the City. and kept alive by God's Spirit in the only did he ride on an animal We begin by promoting the teaching of St. Paul and nourished considered peaceful, but he also kingdom of peace in our homes, by the sacraments per the doctrines eliminated weapons of war from the families and communities in which we of the Church. One of the outcomes City. Fr. Vodzogbe live. A sure way of promoting peace of the indwelling of the Spirit in us is This text is interpreted by is for leaders to strive to be fair to all christian faith as relating to Christ, humble. Though of divine nature, in people at all times. In place of the transformation that it effects in obedience to the Father's will, he laid us, thus making christians become the King who came to establish inflammatory statements, the way we peace as opposed to war. aside his divine glory in other to serve speak or approach thorny or explosive more and more Christlike. This goal us and work out our salvation. It is is not attained overnight, but Christ achieved His peaceful issues can douse flames and calm revolution by proclaiming the this sort of humility that Christ is tempers. through meditation of the character inviting us to cloth ourselves with in of Jesus Christ. Some characteristics message of peace and reconciling The humility to accept one's the broken world with God through imitation of him. We must be ready to faults and sincerely say: I am sorry; well known of Jesus Christ are his serve those who occupy a lower level humility and peaceful nature. his death on the Cross and His and the willingness of the injured party resurrection from the dead. than us on the social ladder in other to to tell the repentant person, well I have Christ exuded humility through bring them up to our level. His life, from being an obedient child to He continues to call us in the forgiven the offence you caused me are Scriptures to imitate Him in His So for one to be become the most inexpensive ways of his parents to total submission to God Christlike is to put on the humility of the Father's will in the Garden of humility, for I am gentle and humble restoring and promoting peace. in heart”. Christ and be an apostle of peace. Let us imitate Christ the Gethsemane where he uttered that There are so many people we famous prayer, …not as I will, but your One way of assurance of our humble prince of peace to demonstrate discipleship of Christ is to be encounter everyday who are in a less that we are truly His disciples. will be done. privilege position than us. The ability Founder of UCA News, Maryknoll Fr. Astorino, Dies

a r y k n o l l F r. East Asia Catholic Press said Greg Erlandson, director r e c a l l e d w h e n F a t h e r R o b e r t Association. He also taught a n d e d i t o r- i n - c h i e f o f Astorino visited Singapore in MA s t o r i n o , journalistic writing at The Catholic News Service. the 1990s, and said Father f o u n d e r o f t h e A s i a n Chinese University of Hong “As founder of UCAN, Astorino “upheld rigorous Catholic News Agency Kong, 1975-1977. he provided trustworthy news journalistic standards” and (UCA New), and Executive He was appointed a on the emerging church in “treated staff as family.” Director of the agency for member of the Vatican’s Asia to the larger Catholic Father Raymond Finch, 30 years, died on June 25 at Pontifical Council for Social world…” he stated. s u p e r i o r g e n e r a l o f We s t c h e s t e r M e d i c a l Communications. In 1998, Jesuit Father Michael Maryknoll Fathers and Centre, Valhalla, New York. t h e C a t h o l i c P r e s s Kelly, who succeeded Father Brothers, told CNS: “Father He was 77 and a priest Association in the United Astorino as executive director Astorino dedicated his life to f o r 5 0 y e a r s , t h e States recognized Father of UCA News, said Father the mission of the Church in Asia and in a special way Ucanews.com reported. Fr. Astorino Astorino with the “Bishop Astorino was especially F r. A s t o r i n o , w h o J o h n E n g l a n d Aw a r d ” , attuned “to the needs of the H o n g K o n g . H e w a s earned graduate degrees in honoring “publishers who emerging churches in Asia in instrumental in holding that Sociology from Fordham was its assistant director for used the Catholic press to the 1970s and ’80s.” church up before the eyes of University and in journalism several years. defend the rights of religion B a r b F r a z e , the world. His work with from Columbia University, In 1979, he launched the and individuals in a free international editor of U C A N e w s w a s both in New York City, went UCA News to provide news society.” Catholic News Service, exceptionally creative and to Hong Kong in 1971 after of and for the Catholic C a t h o l i c m e d i a recalled that when Father groundbreaking.” language studies. C h u r c h i n A s i a , a n d professionals worldwide Astorino would visit Catholic Robert F. X. Astorino In 1974, he became eventually established 14 recalled Fr. Astorino’s News Service in the early was born in New York City involved in the social news bureaus to cover 22 contributions to social days of UCAN, he would tell May 27, 1943, and was communications apostolate countries. communications in Asia, and her he did not care if stories educated in Catholic schools i n H o n g K o n g a n d H e a l s o s e r v e d i n his impact on Asian news w e r e a w e e k o l d . T h e t h e r e b e f o r e e n t e r i n g throughout Asia. He helped various positions in the Asian worldwide. important thing was that “the Maryknoll as a seminarian. launch the Hong Kong b r a n c h e s o f s e v e r a l “For decades, Father Asians did it.” His funeral was held, C a t h o l i c S o c i a l international Catholic media Astorino was a giant of the Christopher Khoo, a June 30 at the Maryknoll’s Communications Office and organizations, including the international Catholic press,” former editor with UCAN, Queen of Apostles Chapel. Electronic Edition Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Brother Dies Days After His Visit

enedict XVI’s elder brother, who SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2020 – SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 had been seriously ill, passed away Ba week after the Pope Emeritus visited him in Regensburg. ‘We Must Rely on Our Strengths’ The brother of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, died at the age – COPAB to African States of 96, the diocese of Regensburg has said. Pope Benedict XVI visited his brother in he Pan African Congress for African Bioethics Forum as a Regensburg last month after hearing he was E t h i c s a n d B i o e t h i c s regional institution of the African seriously ill, and stayed in the diocese for four (COPAB) for West Africa has Union under the umbrella of T days during which the two brothers celebrated re-echoed the position of the ECOWAS as well as to prepare President of the African Union the West African Delegation for Mass together on the Feast of the Sacred Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki the first edition of the African Heart of Jesus. Mahamat, at the opening of a recent Ethics Week, which will be held Both Joseph and Georg Ratzinger were webinar on vaccines against COVID- as the Continental Bioethics 19 that Africa must rely on its Forum under the chairmanship of ordained on the same day on 29 June 1951 by strengths in the face of the COVID-19 the African Union in April 2021 Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber of Munich. pandemic and in other crisis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Msgr. Georg Ratzinger was an situations. It will dialogue on the This was contained in a report ethics of life, the representation accomplished musician who directed the signed by Prof. Pierre Effa, President of of all the living forces of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir from 1964 the COPAB on behalf of the Executive African nation for the celebration until 1994. Committee after a videoconference on of life. Ethical Dilemmas for Pandemic Prof. Pierre Effa The Ghanaian delegation More soon. Management of COVID-19 in Africa. comprised Professor Caesare National Catholic Register The conference participants, A l i m s i n y a A t u a i r e , a for African States to mobilize the comprising Scientists from various Philosopher; Dr. John Baptist implementation of endogenous disciplines, bioethicists, professionals Wi l s o n , a n O b s t e t r i c i a n solutions both against COVID-19 and from various trades and prelates of the Gynaecologist and Sir Benedict in the face of any crisis and any Catholic Church and the African Assorow, a Communications crisogenic situation. Traditional Religion deliberated on the The conference was chaired by Expert. COPAB was established by measures to be taken to place the human the Director General of the West the African Union at its 23rd being at the centre of concerns in all African Health Organisation (WAHO), session in June 2014 in Malabo, circumstances. Professor Stanley Okolo, on behalf of They were of the view that the Equatorial Guinea. African t h e P r e s i d e n t o f E C O WA S need for vaccines and other therapies Heads of State have been advised Commission. m u s t b e b a l a n c e d a g a i n s t t h e He stressed the commitment of to bring together for this purpose inappropriate and unacceptable its structure in particular and the African scientists of the Pope Benedict XVI (right) with his brother. practices that have been commonplace ECOWAS in general, through its continent and the Diaspora and since the slave trade and colonisation various institutions to overcome the all the forces in the service of life. and which are still being used today. C O V I D - 1 9 p a n d e m i c b y They bemoaned the use of African accompanying Member States in all populations as “guinea pigs”, in testing health, economic, political and social vaccines and other therapies, saying that activities regarding the pandemic and it was in defiance of respect for human its consequences. life and dignity. The purpose of this conference The participants stressed the need was to lay the foundation for the West Fr. Coffie of Obuasi Diocese he Rev. Fr. John Kenneth Coffie Passes Away died at the Komfo Anokye TTeaching Hospital, Kumasi June 24, 2020 after a short period of illness. His funeral is yet to be announced. Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Ahenema Kokoben in the Obuasi Diocese, and the National Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) , Ghana. He also served on the NUGDPA Executive and CEHUD Board for years. From Kingsford Bona-Antwi

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