The Akan society of the St John the Baptist Parish at Odorkor-Tipper, Accra, has donated food and non-food items worth GH₵10,000 to the St Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom, Accra, as part of its Golden Jubilee.
The Holy Family Akankuo of the parish presented 65 bags of rice, 10 pieces of cooking oil, two cartons of Ideal milk, one carton of milo, six crates of eggs, toiletries, drinking water and other essential supplies to the seminary.
The gesture was intended to support the welfare and daily needs of seminarians undergoing priestly formation.
Presentation
The President of the Holy Family Akankuo of the parish, Mr James Patrick Oppong, presenting the items on behalf of the society, emphasised the need for Christians to support the needy and contribute to the well-being of others.
He noted that the formation of seminarians required considerable sacrifice, discipline and dedication, making both spiritual and material support essential.
He observed that studying on an empty stomach presented significant challenges, and considering the immense spiritual and pastoral benefits that societies derived from the formation of future priests, it was important for individuals and Christian groups to support seminarians throughout their journey.
Mr Oppong stressed that the donation was also an expression of thanksgiving to God for sustaining the Holy Family Akankuo over the past 50 years, affirming the group's commitment to charity and service.
Gratitude
Receiving the items on behalf of the Rector, Very Rev. Joseph Okine Quartey, the former Rector of St. Paul's Seminary, Very Rev. Francis Arthur, expressed profound gratitude to the Holy Family Akankuo for the gesture.
Rev. Francis Arthur, who served as Rector for 10 years, and has been associated with the formation of seminarians for the past 27 years, said the seminary relied significantly on the goodwill and contributions of individuals, parishes and charitable organisations to support its operations and the welfare of students.
“The donation is a timely and meaningful contribution to the seminary's needs. As part of their spiritual activities, the seminarians pray twice a week for their benefactors, asking God to reward their generosity,” he stated.
Priestly formation
The President of the Seminary Students Representative Council (SRC), Mr Silas Ntany, also expressed appreciation on behalf of the seminarians.
He acknowledged that priestly formation came with challenges, and that the support of individuals and charitable groups helped to sustain and encourage students throughout their journey.
Mr Ntany thanked the Holy Family Akankuo and St. John the Baptist Parish for remembering the seminarians and assured the donors of their continued prayers.
Anniversary climax
The charitable outreach forms part of the Holy Family Akankuo's year-long Golden Jubilee celebration, which climaxed in February 2027, provide members with an opportunity to reflect on five decades of faith, fellowship and service.
The Holy Family Akankuo of St John the Baptist Parish was founded in February 1976 with 10 members. It currently has a membership of 110, with 70 of them active.
