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The call to serve is a gift from God—Most Rev. Attakruh
The new Catholic Bishop of Sekondi -Takoradi, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, has reminded Catholics that “the call to serve is a gift from God.”
“My happiness will be to discover that every day, I am there serving your needs.” he assured.
Bishop Attakruh made the call, when he delivered the Homily at his maiden mass at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi,following his Episcopal Ordination and Installation, as the fifth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, recently.
He called on the Catholicsto open their hearts to serve, their brothers and sisters “because Christ loves those who serve, not those who are served.”
“My call to service includeproclaiming the Gospel of Christ, celebrating the sacraments, loving the faithful, learning from you and caring for those in need.” he stressed.
He, however, asked the faithful not to sit on the fence and be mere observers but they should fully engage as they seek to lay the foundation for the next jubilee celebration of the diocese.
Bishop Attakruh promised to be a brother and father because “together we all share the great task of spreading the good news of God’s love.”
He explained his episcopal motto, ‘Strengthen Your Brethren’, saying he wanted to be seen as someone who empowered others, rekindled apostolic joy in order to overcome all types of apathy and paralysis.
He continued “The joy of the gospel that never fades in the face of adversity is known as apostolic joy. The apostolic joy is a sign of the Church’s love and unity. It’s also an indication that the Church is becoming more powerful. God isn’t a sad God. We are Easter people, and our song is Alleluia.”
He said that as the body of Christ, Catholics could not allow apathy to fester as God’s word encouraged Christians to retain an open mind and accept unity in diversity.
“Let our differences not divide us. God’s gifts aren’t intended for specific people and Numbers 11:25-29 clearly shows that God’s gifts are not limited to a single group of people.
“The sin of jealousychokes out Prophetic words. It only succeeds in causing dissatisfaction and dividing people. Jesus teaches his disciples tolerance and acceptance . As a result, Jesus advised us to seek out those who had God’s spirit and talent.”Most Rev.Attakruh said.
Quoting from Revelations, he admonished the religious to always remember their first love for their vocation, with the energy and motivation to respond to the call of God.
To the faithful, he said, “In this era,you cannot be lukewarm because being lukewarm is the opposite of bearing witness which is the core mandate of all Christians.
“You, therefore, need to be committed to your married life, family life and workplace. Again, you should be committed to the values of the Kingdom of God, selfless sacrifice, love, peace and charity.”
Present at the thanksgiving mass were Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Dominic Nyarko Yeboah,Bishop of Techiman, Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Bishop of Sefwi Wiawso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso and Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani, as well as other dignitaries.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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