Accra, May 11, GNA – Mr Francis Poku, a former National Security Coordinator under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has urged Ghana’s security services to remain disciplined and committed to protecting the peace and stability of the nation.
He said insecurity remained a major threat to national development, warning that investors would be reluctant to invest in Ghana if the country became unstable, thereby worsening unemployment and economic hardship.
Mr Poku gave the advice at a graduation ceremony for participants of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programme held at the St. Bakhita Parish Hall in the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua.
The ceremony brought together senior police officers, seminarians, clergymen and other stakeholders, highlighting the growing collaboration between Ghana’s security services and faith-based institutions in the area of pastoral care and chaplaincy.
The graduates underwent a 12-week intensive training programme in areas such as Stress Management, Counselling Techniques, Human Dynamics, Temperament, Anger Management, Genogram construction, Confidentiality, Gender Issues, Beliefs and Culture, and Will Preparation.
Mr Poku noted that the training would equip the participants with the skills needed to support people facing emotional, psychological and social difficulties.
He encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge acquired to promote peace, discipline and compassionate service within their various institutions and communities.
The Clinical Pastoral Education programme was introduced in Ghana in March 1999 at St. Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia, by Rev. Monsignor Dr Alex Bobby Benson.
The programme is designed to equip participants to minister effectively to persons in crisis under supervised settings.
Since its establishment, more than 1,000 students from different religious backgrounds and professions have graduated from the programme.
This year’s graduating class comprised three senior police officers and three seminarians.
They were ASP Rev. Godwin Kumatror, ASP Pastor Samuel Danso Marfoh, ASP Charles Obeng Boampong, Mr Frederick Amoah Nyame, Mr Michael Seyram Dodor, and Mr Samuel Akotor.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who also spoke at the ceremony, called on the Government to replicate the Clinical Pastoral Education programme in tertiary institutions across the country.
He said the course was relevant in addressing the tensions, emotional stress and political friction that characterised modern society.
Mr Owusu-Ankomah added that the programme’s openness to people of all religions and both sexes made it an important platform for promoting tolerance, understanding and national cohesion.
Sharing his experience, ASP Rev. Boampong described the course as highly relevant to the police service and other institutions where people encountered suffering, grief, pressure, conflict and moral challenges.
He said the training had enhanced his understanding of counselling and pastoral care and would improve his ability to respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of people.
After the presentation of certificates, Rev. Monsignor Dr Bobby Benson, the Course Convenor, led guests to inspect a newly constructed 24-bed palliative care centre at Osabene in Koforidua, which is about 90 per cent complete.
The facility, whose construction started in 2014, is expected to provide care and support for terminally ill patients, including persons living with HIV.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Benjamin A. Commey
[email protected]