President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday reiterated his call on the Church and the State to work together for the promotion of the welfare of the people.
Both institutions must relate with one another in the various fields of human endeavour to promote and enhance the spiritual and socio-economic wellbeing of the people, he said.
The President was speaking in Sunyani at the Episcopal Ordination and Installation ceremony for the Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi as the second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani.
Bishop Gyamfi who was until his appointment by Pope John Paul 11, was the Chancellor of the Diocese, succeeded the late Most Rev James Kwadwo Owusu, who was the premier Bishop of the Diocese when it was carved out of the then Kumasi Diocese 30 years ago.
President Kufuor said although the government worked to provide the material needs of the people, the Church should also ensure the practical needs of its members and the community adding "We have to work together in the interest of the people."
President Kufuor appealed to religious bodies to continue to pray for the government and the people for the Country's prosperity.
He donated 10 million cedis to the new Bishop on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana.
The Most Rev Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Archbishop of Kumasi, who was the principal consecrator, in a sermon urged the new Bishop to collaborate with people from different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds for the development of the country.
"In this grave task you should utilize the various methods available, especially the powerful media to enhance your work."
The Archbishop advised the new Bishop to keep himself informed about the needs of the faithful so as to become the source of their consolation.
Archbishop Sarpong said: "Our brother Matthew is expected to continue the exemplary cooperation that the late Bishop Kwadwo Owusu established between the Diocesan structure and the civil administration".
The Most Reverend George Kocherry, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana and Togo, who performed the installation ceremony on the new Bishop noted that the Catholic Church in Ghana was very strong and flourishing due to the dynamism and sacrifices of its leadership and the commitment and enthusiasm of members.
He said the Church had meaningfully contributed to the socio-economic development of the country, especially in the promotion of education and health.
The Most Rev Kocherry commended the Sunyani Diocese for promoting the wellbeing of the people in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Bishop Gyamfi expressed appreciation to the Pope for his appointment and the leadership of the Catholic Church in Ghana as well as the sacrifice of the College of Consulters and members of the Sunyani Diocese, which he said had ensured his elevation to the office of a Bishop.
Bishop Gyamfi gave the assurance that he would cordially relate to President Kufuor and the government and also pray for them.
The Bishop called on the faithful in the Sunyani Diocese to support him to work efficiently and pledged to work hand in hand with the leadership of the Diocese to meet the aspirations of the people.
The Sunyani Diocese presented him with a brand new four-wheel drive Grand Cherokee Jeep and the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference gave him five million cedis whilst the Ecclesiastical Province of Kumasi gave him four million cedis.
Archbishop Kocherry showed the Papal Bull, the letter of appointment written and signed by the Pope, which recognized and affirmed the election and authority of Bishop Gyamfi to President Kufuor and the thousands of people at the Sunyani Coronation Park after it had been presented to Archbishop Sarpong.
The function was attended by 200 Catholic priests from Ghana, 17 Ghanaian Catholic Archbishops and Bishops.
Also present were Bishop Bruno Kouame of Abangourou from Cote D'Ivoire and Bishop Martin Uzoukuu of Minna Diocese of Nigeria, who represented Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
Memebers of the Association of Episcopal Conference of Anglophone West Africa and Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar were also at the ceremony.
President Kufuor was accompanied by Mr J.H. Mensah, Senior Minister, Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, and Chief of Staff other Ministers of state and District Chief Executives.
Heads of other religious denominations in Brong Ahafo and traditional rulers were present at the colourful but solemn ceremony.
