The Accra Archdiocesan Priests’ Association (AAPA) has renewed its commitment to improving the welfare of its retired and sick members, following financial challenges resulting from the government’s domestic debt exchange programme.
Fr. Henry Ahorlu, re-elected President of the association, outlined these priorities in an exclusive interview with Catholic Trends after the Association’s recently concluded elections.
Fr. Ahorlu highlighted the impact of the financial crisis on AAPA’s resources, particularly investments intended to support members. “The banking crisis dealt a big blow to the association, and we are unable to pay regular dividends to our retired and sick priests. Securing our locked-up funds is a priority,” he stated.
In response to these financial setbacks, AAPA plans to intensify efforts to recover its investments and implement measures to ensure the financial stability of its welfare programs.
Recognizing the importance of health, AAPA pledged to introduce regular health check-ups for all priests. Fr. Ahorlu intimated that, “Above all, AAPA is very interested in the health of its members. We pledge to conduct regular health checks and strengthen our welfare systems to serve our retired and sick priests better.”
The Association also expressed its gratitude to the Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., and his Auxiliary Bishops, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare and Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, for their consistent support.
“AAPA is grateful to our archbishop and his auxiliaries for the unwavering encouragement and backing they provide us. We’ll continue to align with and support the vision of our archbishop,” Fr. Ahorlu noted.
The President, on behalf of the Association, further called on parishioners to rally behind its efforts, especially in securing adequate resources to sustain the welfare of retired priests who have served the Church faithfully for decades.
The Association remains hopeful that with collective support, it can overcome current challenges and continue its mission to serve its members and the Church effectively.
