The Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA), through its national outfit, has marked the 80th birthday of its Founder, Rev. Msgr. Jonathan Thomas Ayikai Ankrah, with a renewed call on Catholic youth to embrace their responsibility in serving the Church and contributing meaningfully to society.
The call was made during a colourful thanksgiving Mass held at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Dansoman, in the Archdiocese of Accra, to honour Msgr. Ankrah’s life, priestly ministry and enduring contribution to Catholic youth formation.
The thanksgiving Mass also coincided with the Founder’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination and the 56th anniversary of COSRA, the lay organisation he established to promote faith formation, social development and voluntary service among Catholic youth in Ghana.
The Mass brought together clergy, family members, members of COSRA, past national presidents, representatives from various diocesan and archdiocesan structures and well-wishers who joined the National COSRA outfit to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of the Founder.
In his homily, the Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Casmir Gosu, described Msgr. Ankrah as a servant of God whose life has been defined by humility, sacrifice and commitment to the mission of the Church.
He said the Monsignor’s ministry was centred on serving God and humanity rather than seeking personal recognition, adding that his dedication to forming others has left a lasting impact on generations of Catholics.
Fr. Gosu noted that many priests passed through Msgr. Ankrah’s guidance during their formation, describing it as evidence of his commitment to nurturing future leaders of the Church.
He further highlighted that Msgr. Ankrah’s passion for evangelisation and youth development was evident even before his priestly ordination, as demonstrated through the establishment of COSRA.
Encouraging the faithful to emulate the Founder’s example, Fr. Gosu urged Christians to serve with sincerity and humility while trusting God with the outcome of their efforts.
“Serve and leave the rest to God,” he admonished, stressing that genuine Christian service must be motivated by love, sacrifice and commitment to God’s work.
Delivering a commendation tribute on behalf of COSRA, the National President, Madam Tamara Amina Sulemana, described Msgr. Ankrah as a visionary leader whose faith and dedication transformed a simple idea into a movement that has impacted countless lives within the Church and society.
She said the Founder’s vision was to bring young Catholics together through social and religious activities while nurturing them in values such as discipline, humility, obedience, love of neighbour and commitment to service.
Madam Sulemana explained that 56 years after its establishment, COSRA has grown into a vibrant Catholic lay organisation that continues to shape the lives of its members and support the mission of the Church.
She noted that the organisation has produced priests, consecrated men and women, lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, bankers, entrepreneurs and other professionals who continue to contribute to society in various capacities.
She highlighted COSRA’s contributions through youth mentorship, charitable activities, voluntary service and faith formation, noting that the organisation remains committed to developing Catholics who actively participate in the life and mission of the Church.
“Fifty-six years ago, our Founder brought together young people in the Church with the vision of promoting social and religious activities, encouraging voluntary service and building a disciplined and committed Catholic laity,” she said.
The National President expressed gratitude to individuals, past leaders and members whose sacrifices and dedication have sustained COSRA over the years. She also acknowledged the contributions of members who helped build the organisation but have since passed on.
She urged Catholic youth to recognise their role in strengthening the Church and transforming society, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith, embrace service and uphold the values upon which COSRA was founded.
A memorable moment during the thanksgiving Mass was the singing of the COSRA anthem by members, which rekindled the spirit of belonging, commitment and unity among members while reminding them of the vision and values that have guided the organisation since its establishment.
The anthem provided an opportunity for members to reflect on their shared identity and renew their commitment to the ideals of faith, service and dedication to the Church and society.
In a brief remark, Rev. Msgr. Jonathan Thomas Ayikai Ankrah expressed gratitude to God for His grace and sustaining power throughout his life and 50 years of priestly ministry.
He thanked the lay faithful, COSRA members and the national outfit for their continued support and commitment, which he said had helped sustain the organisation and preserve its mission over the years.
The Founder explained that COSRA was established to provide Catholic youth with a platform for spiritual growth, social development and active participation in the work of the Church.
Msgr. Ankrah expressed joy that many members had continued to carry forward the vision of the organisation and encouraged them to remain faithful to their calling, practise the faith and evangelise through their daily lives.
He urged members to continue promoting unity, discipline and service while upholding the ideals upon which COSRA was founded.
The thanksgiving Mass was attended by members of the National COSRA outfit, including National President Tamara Amina Sulemana, National Vice President Vincent Musah, National Assistant Secretary Beatrice Dakura, National Public Relations Officer Simon Atuahene, Co-operative Executive Jemima Appiah Kubi and Accra Provincial Coordinator Mathias Laryea.
The event also brought together several past National Presidents of COSRA, including Dr. Stephen Nabareseh, Mavis A. A. Ekpe, Joseph Skuggen, Samuel Nkrumah Duah, Sir Richard Akpokavie and Evans Y. Aryee-Quaye.
The thanksgiving Mass ended with prayers and a renewed commitment by members to preserve the Founder’s vision of building a disciplined, faith-filled and service-oriented Catholic laity dedicated to advancing the mission of the Church.
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