Pope congratulates Nana Akufo-Addo

Pope Francis has congratulated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on his assumption of the high office of the land and promised to send an envoy for the 60th anniversary celebration.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, who delivered the message on behalf of the Pope, said the decision by Pope Francis to send an envoy to witness the country’s independence celebration was the first in 40 years.

That, according to the Nuncio, was indicative of the high regard Pope Francis had for Ghana and its democratic credentials, and by extension, President Akufo-Addo.

Ambassador to the Vatican

During a courtesy call on the President last Thursday, Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich urged President Akufo-Addo to appoint a new ambassador from Ghana to the Vatican, as there was not one at the moment.

In his brief response, President Akufo-Addo, through the Archbishop, thanked Pope Francis for his message and expressed his deepest respect and appreciation for the immense work he was doing.

Support to Ghana

The President also commended the Catholic Church for the invaluable support it had given to Ghana in the areas of education, health and the provision of social services to the citizenry over the years, particularly through the Catholic Relief Services.

President Akufo-Addo assured Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich that in the tenure of his Presidency, he would deepen further the relations between Ghana and the Vatican to the mutual benefit of its citizens.

 Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, with Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and President Akufo-Addo