Julius Debrah
The Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, joined the Catholic faithful in Ho for a solemn Thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the 10th Episcopal Anniversary of Most Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, Bishop of the Ho Diocese.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Afriyie Ankrah conveyed warm felicitations and heartfelt appreciation to Bishop Fianu for his “ten years of selfless, faith-centred leadership” that has inspired not only the Catholic community but also the broader Ghanaian society.
Delivering the Chief of Staff’s message, Afriyie Ankrah said Mr. Debrah recognized the Bishop’s unwavering commitment to spiritual growth, moral renewal, and social transformation within the diocese.
“Bishop Fianu’s ministry has been a shining example of how faith can be translated into service,” Afriyie Ankrah quoted the Chief of Staff as saying. “Through his humility, compassion, and sense of duty, he has touched lives far beyond the pulpit and strengthened the moral fibre of our nation.”
The Chief of Staff, through his envoy, called for a renewed national spirit of faith and responsibility.
“At a time when our nation faces many challenges, we must hold firmly to the virtues of honesty, unity, and hard work,” Julius Debrah urged. “The Church must continue to be the conscience of our society—promoting truth, compassion, and justice in all things.”
He also emphasized the importance of completing the Ho-Bankoe Cathedral Project, describing it as a landmark of both faith and unity.
“The Cathedral is more than a building; it is a living symbol of our collective faith,” he said. “It will stand as a testimony to what we can achieve together when we place God at the centre of our endeavours.”
Hon. Debrah, through Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, encouraged the Church to continue its mission of social outreach and service to humanity.
“We must be a people who not only worship but also work to uplift the poor, feed the hungry, and comfort those in despair,” he noted. “Let us be fruitful, let us replenish the earth, and let us care for those whom society often forgets.”
He also reaffirmed government’s recognition of the Church as a key partner in nation-building, particularly in the areas of education, health, and moral development.
“The Church has always been a pillar of social progress,” Mr. Debrah added. “Your schools, hospitals, and community outreach programmes continue to make a profound difference in the lives of millions of Ghanaians.”
In his homily, Most Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu expressed profound gratitude to God and the faithful for their support throughout his ten years of episcopal service. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“I have learnt that leadership in the Church is about walking with the people of God—not ahead of them, but beside them. Our mission is to serve, to heal, and to bring hope.”
He further reminded the congregation of the Church’s role in national renewal:
“Faith must bear fruit in love. The Church must be the hand that wipes tears, the voice that speaks for the voiceless, and the heart that beats for peace and justice.”
The well-attended event drew clergy, traditional leaders, government officials, and lay faithful from across Ghana, who joined in celebrating Bishop Fianu’s decade of devoted service to God and humanity.