The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich has lauded the nation for its high level of religious tolerance, urging that the Ghanaians should do everything possible to sustain this peaceful atmosphere.
“I wish to congratulate you for the religious freedom that exists in your country. I am particularly interested in this because if we touch religious freedom we touch all heart. The issue of religious freedom is the gate of all the human right,” he said.
He said it is worth emulating Ghana’s religious toleration adding that it had guaranteed freedoms that had enhanced the rights of its people.
The Archbishop made this pronouncement on Monday when he called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra to bid him farewell after almost six year duty tour of Ghana.
Commending the President for the massive developmental projects across the country, and for his vision and zeal to improve the socio-economic fortunes of Ghana, the Apostolic Nuncio said Ghana is an example leader to others.
He again commended the President for deepening the Ghana’s democratic culture.
He said the country is now a pivot in the African continent, stressing that other countries must take lessons from those achievements.
He appreciated the massive show of love accorded him and his colleagues during his time in the country, lamenting that he was saddened that he was leaving all that behind.
“I was here Five and-a-Half beautiful years and had the opportunity to know better your country, and better of the Diplomats here in your country and had time to understand to know and appreciate your culture and also time to find good Ghanaian friends,” he told the President.
He said: “I am particularly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet President Akufo-Addo to discuss important issues when he took office as Ghanaian head in 2017.”
The meeting he said “demonstrated the excellent relations that existed between the Republic of Ghana and the Holy Sea.”
He pointed out that the decision of the Pope to send a Cardinal to Ghana’s 60th anniversary was to honour the President and Ghanaians and reinforced the cordial relation between Ghana and the Holy Sea.
“It has been a very good moment, and I wish to thank you for your clarity and for your friendship,” he told President Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo on his part pointed out that the huge contributions the Catholic Church had made to the spiritual and socio-economic development of Ghana.
He acknowledged that the Catholic Church’s crucial support for Ghana’s democratic process and assured of Government’s commitment to the continuous development of democracy in the country.
“We are determined to build a new Ghana with respect of the rule of Law, respect for human rights and individual liberty, as well as the principle of democratic accountability,” he said.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Monsignor Jean-Marie Speich as his Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana on August 18, 2013.
By CYNTHIA ESSANDOH