Ghana Province OLA Sisters climax 140th anniversary celebration 

The Mass held on Saturday, December 30, in Elmina, Ghana, marked the end of the year long anniversary, commemorating 140 years of dedicated presence and mission in Ghana.

 Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson, the main celebrant of the climax Mass delivering a homily, underscored the significance of maintaining a youthful curiosity, drawing parallels to the questioning spirit of Moses. He emphasized, “Like Moses, we don’t say at 80, I know it all, I have seen it all and I know what it is all about. No, at 80, Moses still asked the question why is the bush on fire and not burnt. This capacity for novelty. The capacity to be enthusiastic about new things, this capacity of wanting to find out why is a very crucial thing that also comes with knowledge of the past. Celebrating 140 years comes with this capacity.”

“Celebrating 140 years comes with this capacity. In my area of work out there in the Vatican, we talk about the new things. And the new things always invites us to come up with new answers and new responses and that’s what the celebration of 140 years invites us to do,” Cardinal Turkson added.

For her part, Sr. Perpetua Cecilia Acquah, the leader of the Ghana Province of the OLA Congregation, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enduring spirit and commitment of the OLA Sisters.

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges and opportunities, urging all to carry forward the compassion, dedication, and service that have guided the congregation for over a century.

“As we stand on the threshold of the future, we do so with hope and anticipation. the next 140 years holds new challenges and opportunities. But with the enduring spirit and commitment of the OLA Sisters, we are confident that our vision for a more brighter and equitable future remains as relevant as ever,”

“As we reflect on our journey, let us not forget the countless lives that have been touched, transformed through our work. Let us carry forward the touch of compassion, dedication and service that has guided us for 140 years. Today’s celebration is a prove of the dedication and hard work of each one of you. We thank you for joining us on this special occasion and may this celebration inspire us to continue our mission with dedication,” Sr. Perpetua said.

The Mass was attended by Notable figures including Archbishop Matthias Kobena Nketsia (Emeritus Archbishop of Cape Coast), Most Rev. Charles G. A. Palmer-Buckle (Archbishop of Cape Coast), government officials, lay faithful, and numerous distinguished guests.

In March 2023, the Congregation launched its 140^th Anniversary celebration with a call on stakeholders to help build a proposed community clinic, a general clinic, and a retirement home at Brafoyaw.

Founded in 1876, the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) emerged in response to the urgent need for Sisters to aid SMA Fathers in their evangelization efforts, particularly in empowering women and marginalized communities. Père Augustine Planque, then Superior General of SMA, recognized the necessity for Missionary Sisters dedicated to working closely with women and children in West Africa.

The OLA Sisters’ missionary work commenced in Dahomey (now the Republic of Benin) in 1883 and expanded across Africa, including regions such as Elmina, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Accra, and Sunyani.