By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Dec. 19, GNA – The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) has held its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the hospital premises, marking the Christmas season with reflections, music and goodwill.
The ceremony brought together staff, management, heads of departments, members of the clergy, representatives of the Office of the Regional Chief Imam, security services personnel, invited guests and other dignitaries.
Scripture lessons were read by staff and departmental heads, while carols were rendered by the HTH Choir, supported by the Stryper Band from Ho, creating a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere.
Delivering the exhortation, Reverend Father Emmanuel Dotsey Komla, Chaplain of the Hospital, reflected on the theme of peace, describing it as a central struggle of humanity from the beginning of creation.
He recounted the biblical account in Genesis, noting that since mankind’s separation from God, peace has been elusive, despite God’s continuous efforts throughout history to restore it.
He recalled the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds at the birth of Christ: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill.”
Rev. FrKomla stressed that true peace begins within the individual and is closely linked to the mind and one’s thought patterns.
Quoting Proverbs 4:23, he urged participants to guard their thoughts, noting that life is shaped by what people continually think, say to themselves and the environment they allow to influence them.
He explained that God is more interested in transforming minds than changing circumstances, adding that renewal of the mind is essential for personal transformation.
Citing Philippians 4:8–9 and Romans 7:22–23, he described the mind as the battleground for sin and temptation, emphasising the need for discipline and conscious management of thoughts.
According to him, a managed mind leads to peace, confidence and happiness, while an unmanaged mind results in tension, conflict, and stress.
He encouraged staff to seek God’s help in managing their minds, especially during difficult moments, to experience peace and joy, particularly as the year draws to a close.
In a Christmas message, Dr Hintermann Mbroh, the Chief Executive Officer of HTH, commended staff for their service, sacrifice and dedication to duty.
He acknowledged that the year had come up with challenges but praised the staff for their commitment, professionalism and compassion across all levels of the hospital.
He expressed appreciation on behalf of management and the governing board and wished staff and their family peace, renewed strength and joy during the festive season and the New Year.
Dr Delanyo Yao Tsidi Dovlo, Chairman of the Hospital Governing Board, also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to staff and expressed appreciation for their hard work under sometimes difficult circumstances.
He noted that six months after the appointment of the new board and Chief Executive Officer, efforts were ongoing to strengthen collaboration, address challenges, and improve service delivery.
He expressed optimism that the coming year would offer better opportunities for improved communication with staff and stakeholders, as well as further progress in service expansion, innovation and advocacy for improved infrastructure, equipment and systems.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade