New Executives for Ghanaian Catholic Laity Council in United States

The Ghanaian Catholic Apostolates Laity Council of New York, New Jersey and New England, has elected new executive members to manage the affairs of the community for the next two years.

Anthony Boadu of the St. Margaret Mary’s Apostolate in Bronx, New York City, was retained as President of the seven-member executive, which also includes Mr. Kwadwo Opoku-Duro of the St. Catherine of Genoa Apostolate in Brooklyn, New York, as Vice President. Opoku-Duro replaces Kwame Adu-Sarpong.

Others were Paul Awortwi-Mensah, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Worcester, Massachusetts, secretary, Kwadwo Appiah, St. Mary’s Apostolate, East Hartford, Connecticut, assistant Secretary, and Akwasi Boakye, Christ the King Apostolate, Bronx, New York, Financial Secretary. Ambrose Amoakoh, St. Mary’s Apostolate, Newark, New Jersey was elected the Public Relations Officer. Lucy Taylor , St. Benedict the Moor Apostolate in Queens, New York City was elected an executive member to coordinate activities of the youth in the council, and by virtue of his position as the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Justin Kofi Mensah becomes an ex-officio member of the executive. The Ghanaian Catholic Apostolate Laity Council of tri state comprises Catholic churches in Newark, New Jersey; Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens in New York, East Hartford in Connecticut, as well as Worcester in Massachusetts.

The council has become a focal point for Ghanaian Catholics who meet quarterly to interact and brainstorm, especially on ways to contribute toward development programs within the Ghanaian catholic population in the tri- state, as well as supporting development programs of the church in Ghana. The Laity Council, formed in 1998, fosters unity and cooperation among Ghanaian Catholic communities in New York, New Jersey and New England, and coordinates activities of various Ghanaian Catholic apostolates.

In his acceptance speech, Anthony Boadu thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and the new executives.

He said their election was a victory for spiritual development, pledging that he would work diligently with all members to facilitate growth of the council.

Boadu told the new executives: "by your election, you have assumed the mantle of leadership that entails sacrifice and dedication", urging them not to rest on their oars, but to build on the good foundation laid by their predecessors.

He advised the executives not to be swayed by power, but be prepared to work together as a team in the interest of all. Rev. Fr. Justin Mensah, chaplain of the Council, commended the old executives for their good works, admonishing them to share their wisdom and experience with the new executives. This, he said, would ensure continuous growth of the council. Fr. Mensah prayed for God’s mercy, grace and blessings for the new executive members and the congregation.