David Alan Painstil
2 November 2009
Cape Coast — The President of the Peace and Justice Council of the Catholic Church Worldwide, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, was last Friday hosted by the chiefs and people of Cape Coast, after retuning from the Vatican.
Cardinal Turkson and his entourage, which included Bishop Palmer Buckle, Catholic Archbishop of Accra, and Rt. Rev. Bishop S. K. Allotey, Anglican Bishop of Cape Coast, were ushered into the Palace of the Paramount Chief, Osaberima Kwesi Atta, after parading through some of the principal streets of the ancient city.
Speaking at the Palace, Osabarima Kwesi Atta said Cardinal Turkson had brought honour to Cape Coast, Ghana, and Africa and that it was the wish of his Traditional Council to see him elevated as the first African Pope.
He said the elevation of the Cardinal had shown that he worked hard to promote the word of God and peace among many.
Osabarima Atta said his council was happy to have welcomed him to the Obama Hall, (named after President Obama), and to encourage him to go for the ultimate, being the Pope.
He presented a white cloth and palm frond to Cardinal Turkson, and poured powder in his palm as sign of commendation from the chiefs and people of Cape Coast.
On his part, Cardinal Turkson said he was overwhelmed by the level of welcome accorded him by the residents of Cape Coast, and athat he was even short of words to express his joy.
He explained that there was a meeting where Pope Benedict XVI appointed some people to help him in his administration, and that he was fortunate to have been appointed President of the Peace and Justice Council of the church.
He likened the appointment to a president appointing his ministers, and explained that he was just like any political minister appointed by the president to help govern the state.
Cardinal Turkson explained that his job would take him to Rome, and that he woyuld operate beyond the borders of Ghana, and would come to Ghana when the need arises.
Cardinal Turkson was met on arrival by the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, who expressed gratitude to God for enhancing the image of the region through the appointment.
It was like a political campaign, as brass band music blazed the trail, while the youth composed songs to welcome Cardinal Turkson to Cape Coast.
The elderly also joined the fray to celebrate the occasion, which went deep into the evening.
He finally celebrated Mass with his congregation at the Cape Coast Cathedral.
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