Source:tolonradio.com/Abdul Shakun Omae
The former President and the 2024 NDC Presidential Candidate H.E. John Dramani Mahama joined the Catholic Diocese of Yendi to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Saturday.
The event also honored Bishop Emeritus Most Reverend Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai for his dedication to rural evangelism and peace-building in the Northern Region.
The theme for the occasion was “Celebrating 25 Years of Rural Evangelism: Challenges, Prospects, and the Way Forward as a Synodal Church”.
The occasion was both a reflection on the Diocese’s contributions and a call to action for Ghana’s future.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Mahama expressed his gratitude for Bishop Boi-Nai’s impactful legacy, particularly in peace building and improving livelihoods.
“The story of how calm has come to Yendi cannot be fully told without the role of Bishop Emeritus Boi-Nai,” he remarked.
He again praised the Bishop’s commitment to fostering unity and addressing community challenges through education, healthcare, and development initiatives that have transformed countless lives.
Highlighting the resilience required in rural evangelism, John Mahama acknowledged the sacrifices involved in reaching remote areas, often through harsh conditions, to build schools, clinics, and skills training centers.
He emphasized the impact of mission schools, noting their role in preserving educational standards despite broader challenges in the sector.
“Mission schools continue to shine as symbols of hope and excellence,” he observed.
Reflecting on Ghana’s peaceful religious coexistence, the NDC flagbearer urged Ghanaians to safeguard this heritage, especially as the 2024 general elections approaches.
He condemned recent incidents of violence and called for commitment to nonviolence and peaceful discourse.
Mr. John Mahama implored the religious community and peace councils to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” and to act when justice is threatened.
Addressing the nation’s challenges, Mr. John Dramani Mahama outlined the NDC’s vision for empowering the youth, women, and small businesses, saying that, initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank will improve livelihoods of Ghanaian women from all endeavours.
He reiterated that the NDC is dedicated in fighting corruption, adding that, the next NDC government will enhance transparency and rebuild trust in institutions.
“A society can only flourish when its people have confidence that the institutions that govern them are just, fair, and transparent,” he stated.
The NDC flagbearer commended Bishop Boi-Nai’s legacy and encouraged the congregation to remain hopeful.
“Let us continue to draw strength from our faith, unity, and shared vision of a better Ghana,” he said
The NDC Flagbearer was accompanied by some big wigs of the party including the Tamale South MP, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, National Vice Chairman Mr Sofo Azorka, and some party executives.
