The Archbishop of the Tamale Diocese of the Catholic Church and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh has called for the implementation and discussion on the “One Village, One Dam” must be devoid of partisan politics.
According to him, it is a policy that has the potential to benefit the five regions in the Northern part of Ghana, as well as the entire country.
“I will also like to observed that if we take partisan politics away from the One Village, One Dam’ policy, it is a policy that will benefit not only the five Northern Regions but the whole country.
I would, therefore, like to appeal to the Government that the implementation of this laudable project should not be driven by Party Political interests, but be properly implemented with the help of the Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) and other relevant agencies.” He said.
Most Rev. Naameh said this in a homily delivered at the funeral of the late C.K.Tedam at Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West in the Upper East Region over the weekend.
Below is the full homily delivered by Most Rev. Philip Naameh at Paga.
HOMILY AT THE FUNERAL OF CLEMENT K. TEDAM
BY MOST REV. PHILIP NAAMEH
READING: Wisdom 4:7-15
Romans 14:7-9
Matthew 5: 1-12
PROTOCOL
The President – His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The Vice President His Excellency Dr. Mohamudu Bawumia
The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquei
Traditional Leaders
Chief of Staff Hon. Akausua Frema-Osei Opare
National Chairman, Secretary General and other Officials of NPP.
Representatives of other Political Parties
The Paga Pio
Representative of Navio-Pio
Representative of other Religious Leaders
All Protocol Observed
My dear people of God, in the Christian liturgy of the dead, the role of the Homily or Sermon is to proclaim clearly the Gospel of the Resurrection of Christ and to comfort the family, friends and all who have been connected with the dead person we are mourning. We believe that all who have lived a virtuous life according to the will of God will rise again at the end of time, and will be reunited with God his maker. We believe that Hon. Clement Kobindiwo Tedam who we have come to bid farewell to was such a man. He was indeed, a man of faith who gave great place to his faith in God. He was a humble person who had great respect for all he met. He was a very dedicated person in the service of his Church and Country. Above all he was a great man of Peace and a Peace maker. He abhorred conflict in any form, and would apply his diplomacy and other resources to restore peace. Such people, my dear brothers and sisters, are very difficult to find everywhere.
Hon C.K. Tendam, was among the first group of northern politicians who founded the Northern Peoples Party and later on joined the UP tradition which is now the present NPP.
In joining politics, the main motivation of this first group of Northern politicians was to give hope to their people, to make things better for their people, to provide social, educational and other facilities for the northern people. It was NOT to amass wealth for themselves or their families. They were, therefore, politicians with a great sense of sacrifice; as they used everything they acquired, including their salaries, to better the conditions of the people they served.
The readings of today from St. Pauls letter to the Romans 14:7-9, says If I live, I live unto the Lord and if I die, I die unto the Lord. This was his personal faith and he lived with the consciousness that whatever he did he would account for it to the Lord. Hence, in his relationships with people, in the many positions that he held he always tried to be fair to the people he served.
He has left great legacies in the religious, political and cultural realms. Indeed, he has left positive experience for anyone who took time to know him. He lived a very humble life, and had a passion for serving his God and country.
I am very impressed to see so many politicians from all the political divide at his farewell ceremony.
At this time when Ghanaians have a scare of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, I will like to appeal to the government through the Security Agents to ensure that Security personnel are visible everywhere, especially in the north, through which, we are told, the terrorists will enter Ghana, so that Ghana will be considered, not number 6 but number 1 most peaceful country in Africa.
I will also like to observed that if we take partisan politics away from the One Village, One Dam’ policy it is a policy that will benefit not only the five northern Regions but the whole country. I would, therefore, like to appeal to the Government that the implementation of this laudable project should not be driven by Party Political interests, but be properly implemented with the help of the Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) and other relevant agencies.
This, apart from its long-term benefits, will give immediate employment to the teaming youth, both men and women, who migrate from the north to the south and other countries looking for non-existent jobs. This will also be a great tribute to Hon. C.K. Tedam, who in his engagement in politics always wanted to bridge the development gap between the North and the South.
I call on the youth to abhor laziness, and making themselves vulnerable to be used for violent activities.
Believing that Hon. C.K. Tedam lived a saintly life, I will like to end this homily by citing the Gospel message of today, (Mt. 5: 1-12)
Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are those persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called Children of God.
Source: A1radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Ghana
