11th Triennial National Delegates Conference/ Climax of the 85th Anniversary Celebration
The event which also marked the climax of the Association's 85th anniversary, brought together over 5000 members from dioceses and archdioceses across Ghana, as well as delegates from the CMA's diaspora provinces in the United States and United Kingdom
LEGACY OF FAITH AND SERVICE
In her address, Mother Hannah Essuman , National President of the CMA, outlined some of the key achievements since the Association's founding in 1940. These include the establishement of microfinance projects across Ghana, empowering women to participate in district level elections in collabration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and mentorship programme to nuture young leaders.
She disclosed that he first cohort of 20 mentees gradduated in 2020 followed by 60 in 2024, and with the third cohort expected to graduatein 2027 Reflecting on the Association's 85 years legacy, Mother Essuman described the CMA as a " Beacon of Faith, Hope, and Serice."
Like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, our mothers have risen early to pray, sustained their families, served their communities, and natured generations in the fear of the Lord," she said.
She also paid tribute to founding mothers, whose resilience, sacrifice, and faith laid the foundation for the CMA's accomplishements. She urged members to renew their committment to carry forward this vision with zeal, faith, and courage.
GUEST SPEAKER'S ADDRESS
Dr.(Mrs) Vida Korang, Senior Lecturer and Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Adavancement at the Catholic University of Ghana, was the Guest Speaker. She noted that the CMA, from its humble beginnings, has been a pillar of the Church's Mission-shaping strong Christian families, supporting parishes and passing on the faith to future generations.
" Christian Mothers have lived out the Gospel not only in words but in action:feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, mentoring the young, and witnessing Christ's love. Your legacy is one of maternal strength, wisdom, and resilience, underpinned by the grace of God," she said. Dr. Korang challenged the Association to address present day issues such as Moral decline, digital distractions, family breakdown, and idealogies that undermine Christian identity.
" Let us commit to grace-grace to forgive where there has been hurt, grace to mentor young women in faith and service grace to advocate for family values, grace to serve the Church with zeal, and grace to pray unceasingly for our communities" she urged.
GOODWILL MESSAGES
Sir John Tandoh, Chairman of the National Catholic Laity Council, in a goodwill message, called on the CMA to be strong voice for women and Children. He urged them to speak boldly on issues such as gender- based voilence, maternal health, women's economic empowerment, equal access to education, and the protection of the dignity of the girl-child.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the National Council of Catholic Women, Ladies Auxiliary of St. John International,Quality Insurance Company Limited, the Ahmediyya Muslim Mission, and Dugshegu Naa Abdulai Zakaria Olivier, who represented the paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu Traditional Area.
ELECTIONS AND DIGNITARIES
The conference also saw the election of new National officers to serve a three-year term. Mothers Hannah Essuman and Patience Fosu were re-elected as National President and Ist Vice President, respectively. Other officers elected were:Mother Helena Oppong 2nd Vice President; Mother Eunice Dumashie, Secretary; Mother Clothia Adongo, Assistant Secretary; Mother Mary Magdalene Taare, Treasurer and Mother Christine Allupo, Financial Secretary
The Opening ceremony Mother Gifty Quainoo, UK Province Advisor. It was atthended by several diginitaries including Most. Rev. Phillip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. John Alphonse Aseidu, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom and Episcopal Co- Chair of the Laity; DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, Northern Regionsl Polic Commander; Chiefs, priests, and representatives of women's associations from the Anglican and Methoddist Churches, as well as Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission.
From Francis E. Monnie, Camp G
Catholic Standard Newspaper