<<Print>>

President John Atta Mills on Tuesday called for a national moral revival and emphasized the need for Ghanaians to pursue things of lasting benefits. "We should resolve to chart a new life and set good examples, he said, at the Osu Castle in Accra, when the newly appointed Head of the Catholic Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, and a delegation from the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference paid a courtesy call on him. The team formally announced the elevation of Cardinal Turkson to the high office in the Roman Catholic Church. President Mills commended Cardinal Turkson on his appointment and drew a correlation between justice and peace as basis for development. President Mills recalled the role of Cardinal Turkson in the promotion and pursuit of peace, not only in the church, but also as a member of the National Peace Council and working for national peace prior to, during and after Ghana 2008 general election. "Where there is no justice, there is no peace and no development," President Mills said, adding, "You are occupying a very important position, which will ensure that there's development." The President called on Ghanaians to take pride in the elevation of the Cardinal, who until his appointment was the Catholic Bishop of Cape Coast. He said by his humility, hard work and focus the Cardinal had set the example that God would elevate and reward good works, and wished him long life and further blessings in his assignment. "May the good Lord accompany you on this trip," President Mills said. Mr James Victor Gbeho, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Policy, expressed the hope that the achievement of the cleric, who was appointed Cardinal six years ago, would inspire other priests to aspire for greater heights. Mr John Henry Martey Newman, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, said the elevation of the Cardinal was a joy for the Office and a great honour for the people of Ghana. "It is important for us all to continue to pray for him to assert himself as a man of God." Cardinal Turkson said he was leaving Ghana with mixed feelings, but considers himself an Ambassador of Ghana, and pledged to take along the distinct history of Ghana, which he described as a country with the product of tolerance culture. He expressed gratitude to God and Ghana for making him an all round person. Cardinal Turkson whose appointment was announced last October 4 would move to the Vatican to assume office. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace is charged to stimulate the Catholic community to foster progress in needy regions and social justice on the international scene. The Council promotes justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church. It also deepens the social doctrine of the Church and makes it widely known and applied by individuals and communities.