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KSJI Commandery No. 975 inducts 31 cadet members
Rev Father Edward Agbeobila (middle) with the Cadets and KSJI executives after the ceremony
The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) Commandery No. 975 at St. Anne and Joachim Parish, Teshie, Accra, has inducted 31 new cadet members.
The initiation, the largest number since 2013, was happening ahead of the 10th anniversary celebration of the organization, which comes off later in July 2023 on the theme: “St. Anne KSJI @10 – Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future.”
Rev. Father Edward Agbeobila, Battalion One Chaplain of KSJI, addressing the new members at the ceremony in Accra last Sunday, urged the youth to manage their time and engage in productive activities.
He said young people must seize every opportunity to learn and develop their skills, as that would bring valuable returns and help advance their lives and careers in the future.
While encouraging the new members to treat each other with respect, he said honesty and discipline should be the watchwords, just as the organisation instructs.
“There are many things to learn as a cadet. Make sure you are always learning from one another, adding value to the organisation, and making good use of your time,” he said.
Mr. Robert Mawuenyegah, the Worthy President of KSJI Commandery 975, said the objectives of the cadet were to organise Catholic boys, place them under competent leaders, and train them morally and physically to become “better men and more loyal Catholics.”
In addition to inculcating a love for God and country, he said the activities of cadets were to shield young boys from “the evil influences that presently surround them.”
“The cadet movement is to help boys become strong and well-developed. It strives to imbue in their lives love and understanding and teach them the value of war games, clean sports and fair play,” he said.
He said the inductees had assumed “a serious obligation” and were, therefore, expected to perform all duties required of them by the church.
“I trust you will always hold sacred the pledge that you have made that you will strive to practice each day the virtues of the Knights of Saint John International,” he added.
Mr. Gordon Tamboro, Accra East Grand Cadet Organiser, leading the swearing-in of new cadet officers, described the initiation as significant and advised the young ones to sustain and help grow the organisation in the years ahead.
Mr. Prince Otabil, Cadet Organiser of KSJI Commandery No. 975, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for the support received over the years and urged the new members to abide by the tenets of the Cadet. Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Harry Mensah, District Cadet Coordinator of the Accra East District.
By Ernest Nutsugah
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to remain united, grateful and prayerful despite the recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed property in parts of Accra.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the President noted that the nation had gathered not because all its challenges had been solved, but to reflect, give thanks to God and renew its commitment to the country’s development.
He explained that throughout Ghana’s history, the nation had consistently turned to God during both difficult and successful times, describing faith as one of the country’s strongest pillars.
“We gather not as members of different political parties, ethnic groups or religions, but as one people under God,” President Mahama stated.
He encouraged Ghanaians to approach the occasion with grateful hearts, stressing that every blessing the country enjoys comes from God.
Reflecting on the recent floods that devastated parts of Accra, President Mahama acknowledged the pain of families who lost loved ones and property during the disaster.
Despite the tragedy, he urged citizens to draw strength from Scripture, quoting First Epistle to the Thessalonians Chapter 5, Verse 18, which encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together religious leaders, members of Parliament, the Judiciary, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security service chiefs, traditional leaders and other dignitaries to pray for the nation and reflect on its progress and challenges.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and an indigene of the Upper East Region, Awentami Paul Afoko, has called for the construction of an international airport in the Upper East Region, arguing that it is critical to unlocking the region’s agricultural and export potential.
Addressing stakeholders at the Regional Development Framework validation forum in Bolgatanga, Mr. Afoko said the Upper East Region possesses enormous economic opportunities that can be harnessed through strategic investment in agriculture, infrastructure,, and trade.
“As an entrepreneur, I have learnt that governments do not create businesses; entrepreneurs do. Government’s responsibility is to create the environment within which businesses can thrive,” he said.
He highlighted irrigation projects and commercial farming as key drivers of economic transformation, urging greater investment in year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers for international markets.
“The challenge is not finding buyers. The challenge is producing at sufficient scale throughout the year,” he stated.
Mr. Afoko also called for investment in warehouses, cold-chain facilities, packaging centres and standardized production systems to improve the competitiveness of local products, including shea butter, basket weaving, and textiles.
“We must organise ourselves to produce standardised products and invest in warehouses, cold chains, and packaging so that we become year-round suppliers,” he said.
He stressed that an international airport would significantly boost exports from the region.
“We need an airport urgently so that flowers from the Upper East can reach Europe before Kenyan flowers do. Burkina Faso produces strawberries, and we can do the same,” he remarked.
According to Mr. Afoko, the region’s strategic location also presents opportunities to expand cross-border trade with neighbouring countries through stronger economic diplomacy.
“There is the need for an international airport in the region to enable us to seize export opportunities. Our strategic location also presents enormous opportunities to strengthen border trade,” he added.
He called on the government, diplomats, and development partners to work together to position the Upper East Region as a major agricultural and export hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
