Cardinal Turkson's appointment-a step in the right direction-Archbishop Palmer Buckle

Cape Coast, Oct.31, GNA-The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Reverend Bishop Palmer-Buckle on Friday described the appointment of Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson to preside over the "Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace" as the step in the right direction.

"Out of Africa comes something new, a Supreme Moderator who is aware of the enormous responsibility that goes with his position and will carry out his duties with diligence", he declared.

Bishop Palmer-Buckle made the remarks at a special church service at the Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Cape Coast, organized in honour of Cardinal Turkson, Archbishop of the Cape Coast, in appreciation to God for his new position which will be held in the Vatican.

He said Africa must bring the spirituality God has endowed on it to bear on the world to ensure the total achievement of global peace and development.

Bishop Palmer Buckle who is also the Vice-President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference said by the appointment Pope Benedict XIV is telling the world that the church in Africa is of age and could contribute significantly towards the advancement of God's Kingdom.

Reverend Father Mathias Nketsiah, the Auxiliary Bishop of Cape Coast, paid glowing tribute to Cardinal Turkson saying;" he had efficiently dealt with issues on human development, rights and justice in the country and will in no doubt carry out this task with ease".

He said the Church in Cape Coast had contributed immensely towards the growth of the Catholic Church adding; the first indigenous Archbishop, Cardinal and now the President of the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice are all from Cape Coast.

Rev. Nketsiah praised the Cardinal "whose performance at the just ended conference in Rome was great and impeccable" and for bringing glory and honour not only to Cape Coast, but Ghana and Africa.

Among the congregation were the Apostolic Nuncio, Leon Kallinger, Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi, Bishop Akwasi Sarpong, Most Rev. Gabriel Anokye, Bishop of Obuasi, Most. Rev. Nyarko Yeboah Bishop of Techiman and Most Reverend Daniel Allotey, Bishop of the Anglican Church, Cape Coast.

Other dignitaries were the Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the Presidential candidate for the Convention People's Party in the 2008 elections and his wife Yvonne.

Cardinal Turkson was born in Wassa Nsuta in the Western Region 61 years ago where he completed his basic education. He proceeded to Amissano in Cape Coast for his "O" and "A" levels and later to Pedu Seminary after which he was sent to Kumasi and then to New York to study theology and later to Rome where he acquired his doctorate degree.

Cardinal Turkson had held many positions in the Church and was also a board member of the Central Regional Development Commission (CEDECOM) and speaks seven languages including Latin, German, French and Greek

Earlier, hundreds of people from the region gathered the principal streets of Cape Coast to welcome the Cardinal amidst brass-band music.

All activities in the metropolis came to a halt as people run from the coastal city's nooks and crannies to catch a glimpse of him as he waved in an open vehicle to acknowledge the thunderous cheers from the people. He later paid a courtesy call on the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, at the Eminstimadze Palace where he was welcomedas an "illustrious son of the land who had brought honour to Cape Coast" and was told that the news of his appointment was received by the traditional council with joy.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta who addressed the delegation said it is a clear indication that Africa is endowed with a lot of talented people and that it was possible that Cardinal Turkson could become the Pope one day and pledged the continued prayers of the council for his success.

Osabarima decorated him with a piece of calico around his neck, gave him a palm branch to signify victory and congratulated him for the feat. Cardinal Turkson thanked the council and people of Cape Coast for their support and prayers and said the Kingdom of God is associated with peace and therefore by his new position, he will continue to promote the virtue.