Diocesan priests in Ghana donate pickup to Donkorkrom Vicariate

The National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Associations (NUGCDPA) has donated a brand-new Changan four-wheel-drive dual cabin pickup valued at GHS 355,600 to the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom to support pastoral and humanitarian work in one of the Church’s most deprived jurisdictions.

The vehicle was presented on Wednesday at a short ceremony at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra.

Representing the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, described the donation as “a significant moment of compassion and solidarity.” He said, “This generous donation by NUGCDPA is a testament to the union’s commitment to serving those in need and fostering a more just society. We hope that the use of this vehicle will enhance pastoral and humanitarian services of the Vicariate.”

Bishop Louis commended the leadership of the union and the frontline workers in the Donkorkrom area, noting, “I wish to commend NUGCDPA for this show of solidarity. Furthermore, I commend the tireless efforts of the clergy, consecrated men and women, catechists and other lay leaders working in the Vicariate. Their dedication and resilience inspire us.”

He urged continued commitment to service, saying, “Let us continue to serve those in need, building a more just and peaceful society.”

President of NUGCDPA, Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah, reaffirmed the union’s mission to support vulnerable communities and strengthen ministry in difficult areas. “Today, we gather to witness a significant moment of compassion and solidarity. NUGCDPA is honoured to hand over a Changan Pick-up Dual Cabin, valued at GHS 355,600.00, to the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom,” he said.

He explained the rationale behind the gesture, stating, “This gesture supports the Vicariate’s pastoral obligations and humanitarian service. We recognize the tireless efforts of the Catholic Diocesan Priests of Ghana and lay contributors serving Donkorkrom.”

Fr. Kuusah also highlighted NUGCDPA’s recent charitable interventions. “This amazing and novel act of NUGCDPA is part of our efforts to support those in need. We previously supported Victoria, a little girl, with GHS 100,000.00 and priests and some individuals affected by the Bawku conflict with GHS 30,000.00.”

He described the donation as a symbol of hope, adding, “May this vehicle symbolize hope and support, enabling the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom to continue its good work. Let us serve those in need and build a more just and peaceful society.”

Receiving the vehicle, Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu SVD, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, thanked the union for what he called a long-awaited breakthrough. “Today is a great day for me and the priests, consecrated men and women … to receive this vehicle which NUGCDPA has donated for us. … It was a big struggle, but with perseverance and determination, today the dream has seen the light of day.”

He expressed gratitude to the Bishops’ Conference and the NUGCDPA leadership. “I am most grateful to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who also offered their encouragement and their support for this project. And also thank very much the priests, the assistant priests of Ghana, especially the NUGCDPA executives, for working so hard to mobilise resources, to procure this vehicle, and to donate it … for our ministry and evangelisation.”

Bishop Asiedu assured donors the vehicle would be effectively used. “Definitely, the vehicle will be put to good use, and it will enhance very much the mission of the church in the Apostolic Vicarage of Gangopo.”

He added, “I want to assure NUGCDPA that we will never forget this great gesture of generosity, solidarity, and compassion … God richly bless each and every one of you.”

The Changan pickup is expected to facilitate mobility across the remote and island-like communities that make pastoral work in the Donkorkrom Vicariate uniquely demanding.