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Catechist Vida Quartey’s remarkable nine-year service with Cosway-Down Presbyterian Church
● Madam Vida Quartey
After dedicating nine years of her life as the Catechist of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Vida Quartey has gracefully retired from her role.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana commemorated her service with a valedictory event at Cosway-Down, North Legon on September 24.
Born on May 28, 1953, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Mrs Vida Quartey grew up in a Presbyterian family, under the care of her grandfather for several months. She experienced numerous ministerial relocations during her upbringing, which influenced her path.
Despite facing educational disruptions due to relocations, Vida developed proficiency in both English and German languages.
Unexpectedly, Vida’s life took a remarkable turn when she encountered a stranger at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, who provided her with an address in Germany. This encounter ultimately led her to meet her husband, and had traditional marriage in November 1978.
Catechist Vida Quartey held a deep affection for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, but her devotion faced a challenge when she found herself residing in Berlin, a city devoid of this cherished institution.
Undeterred by the absence of her beloved church, she occasionally embarked on pilgrimages to Hamburg, where her cousins resided, in order to partake in worship and connect with the divine.
It was during a solemn funeral gathering in Berlin, marked by the harmonious strains of Presbyterian hymns, that the seed of a groundbreaking idea was planted.
Vida’s heart swelled with determination, and she seized the moment, rising from her seat to propose the establishment of a Presbyterian Church right there in Berlin.
Her fervent commitment to the Lord served as the catalyst for this ambitious endeavour.
As Vida embarked on the path to bring her vision to fruition, she encountered various challenges, particularly in securing the necessary funds. Yet, her unwavering faith and divine assistance guided her through these obstacles.
Against all odds, the inaugural Presbyterian Church in Berlin was officially established on May 6, 2001, a testament to Vida’s indomitable spirit and her unyielding devotion to the Lord’s work.
Having dedicated herself to the establishment of numerous Presbyterian churches throughout Germany, Catechist Vida Quartey eventually decided to return to her homeland.
Upon her homecoming, she embarked on a quest to find a place of worship. Fortunately, her journey led her to Haatso Calvary, but a language barrier, specifically the ‘Ga’ dialect, prevented her from settling there.
In her relentless pursuit of a spiritual community, Vida’s path intersected with Rev. Obeng Ntow, the Minister-in-Charge of Ascension at that time.
He extended an invitation for her to contribute to the Children’s Ministry service and the JY (Junior Youth) programme at Ascension.
It was not until June 4, 2014, following the transfer of Catechist Nyarko, that Vida found her home at Pleasant Hill Preaching Point, coming from the Haatso District.
Her impact on the congregation has been undeniable, as she has diligently worked to earn the hearts of many and has played a pivotal role in soul-winning endeavours.
Throughout her journey as a dedicated Catechist, Vida Quartey achieved remarkable feats and garnered a plethora of well-deserved awards in recognition of her outstanding character and contributions to her community.
Her impact was not only profound but also quantifiable, with a remarkable surge in church membership by approximately 70 per cent.
One of her noteworthy accomplishments was securing the full payment and official registration of church land, marking a significant milestone in the congregation’s history.
This achievement paved the way for the realisation of an ultra-modern chapel.
The design for this remarkable structure was not just a blueprint; it was a symbol of hope and a testament to Vida’s unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of her community.
The construction had already commenced, promising a bright future for the congregation.
Vida’s dedication extended far beyond the physical aspects of church development.
She took it upon herself to nurture and guide approximately 50 individuals along their spiritual journey through a programme akin to a ‘maturity school.’
Her guidance and mentorship were instrumental in helping these souls grow spiritually, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
Addressing the congregation on the profound theme of ‘Depending on God,’ Vida Quartey shared compelling snippets from her personal life journey, highlighting pivotal moments when the benevolent hand of the Lord intervened during her most trying circumstances.
Her impassioned message resonated with the congregation as she conveyed the invaluable lesson that unwavering reliance on the Lord’s guidance yields blessings beyond imagination.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical texts, specifically citing Jeremiah 17:7 and Psalm 103, Catechist Vida Quartey imparted a profound message.
She encouraged each individual in the journey of life to earnestly contemplate whether their actions align with the divine will.
She posed the crucial question: “Does what I am about to do bring pleasure to the Lord?” This introspective inquiry serves as a compass, guiding individuals toward a life that is pleasing in the eyes of the Almighty.
In the tapestry of humanity, each of us possesses our own unique set of preferences and aversions.
Catechist Vida Quartey candidly shared her personal distaste, which centres on individuals who habitually arrive late for church gatherings, juxtaposed with her profound appreciation for fostering unity and harmony among the congregation.
Vida Quartey emphasised that her discontent stems from those who perpetually exhibit tardiness in attending church services, yet paradoxically espouse the values of fraternity and collective joy.
In her view, the fundamental tenet that binds humanity together is our shared lineage, tracing back to the common ancestors, Adam and Eve.
She passionately advocated the eradication of any divisive elements such as racism or tribalism within the church community, underscoring the importance of recognising one another as brothers and sisters in the larger human family.
By George Obeng Osei
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
