Volta Minister congratulates Canon Mereku on consecration as Coadjutor Bishop

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has congratulated Reverend Canon Selin Selorm Mereku on his consecration as Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ho, describing his elevation as a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice.

Speaking at the consecration ceremony, Mr Gunu said the Church remained an important partner in the development of the Volta Region through its contributions to education, healthcare, youth development, moral formation and peacebuilding.

He said the Volta Regional Administration’s development agenda focused on maintaining peace and security, strengthening local governance and building strategic partnerships to accelerate development across the region.

According to the Minister, the region’s 18 Municipal and District Assemblies had completed or commenced 618 development projects, including 62 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and 180 boreholes.

He further disclosed that more than 971 GETFund-supported projects were being implemented across the region, benefiting all 68 public Senior High and Senior High Technical Schools.

The projects, he said, included classrooms, dormitories, administration blocks, staff accommodation, dining halls and sanitation facilities.

Mr Gunu also highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the Girls-in-ICT programme, National Apprenticeship Programme, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme and Youth Employment Initiative.

He urged Bishop Mereku to use his new position to promote peace, unity, discipline, compassion and service to humanity, while strengthening the Church’s contribution to community development.

The Minister assured the Anglican Diocese of Ho of the government’s continued partnership with the Church and other stakeholders in advancing development across the Volta Region.

The Member of Parliament for Kpando, Hon. Sebastian Deh, also expressed confidence in the newly consecrated Coadjutor Bishop and pledged the support of political and traditional leaders in the area.

Mr Deh said he, the Volta Regional Minister and the Kpando Municipal Chief Executive were united in their commitment to supporting Bishop Mereku as he assumes his new responsibilities.

He attributed the growing pace of development in the Kpando Municipality to improved collaboration and unity among local leaders.

The MP disclosed that several road projects were underway in the Kpando Constituency, with about 40 kilometres of roads awarded for construction.

He cited the Kpando-Torkor road, Bishop Herman Road and other roads within the municipality as some of the projects receiving attention.

Mr Deh also mentioned ongoing classroom projects in basic schools, GETFund-supported infrastructure in senior high schools and other development initiatives being implemented across the municipality.

He stressed that continued cooperation among political, traditional and local government leaders would be critical to sustaining development in Kpando.

The Paramount Chief of the Akpini Traditional Area, Okpekpewuokpe Akpinifia Dagadu IX, also congratulated Bishop Mereku on his elevation and pledged the continued support of the Akpini Traditional Area.

The Paramount Chief said he had known Bishop Mereku since childhood and had witnessed his commitment to the development of the traditional area, as well as his dedication to responsibilities entrusted to him.

Describing himself as both a brother and paramount chief to the Bishop, Dagadu IX said the elevation did not come as a surprise, given his hard work, dedication and commitment to duty.

He urged Bishop Mereku to remain faithful, diligent and devoted to God’s work and to use his ministry to positively transform lives.

The Paramount Chief further encouraged him to remain connected to his roots, assuring him that the people of Kpando and the Akpini Traditional Area stood firmly behind him.

He also called on the Anglican Church and Christians to continue praying for the Bishop as he takes on his new responsibilities.

The consecration ceremony brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, government officials, political representatives and other dignitaries from Kpando and beyond.

Among those present were the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu; Kpando MP, Hon. Sebastian Deh; Kpando Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Killian Donkor; NDC constituency executives; traditional leaders and other invited guests.