I WEAR MY OWN SHOES (MIRROR, PAGE 27, AUGUST 21, 2010)

From Joe Okyere, Cape Coast.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, the Most Reverend Matthias Kobena Nketsiah, has stated he will be his own man as the metropolitan archbishop of the archdiocese.
Rev. Nketsiah said even though the archdiocese has been manned by illustrious, intellectual giants and luminary priests, he has taken a cue from his predecessor, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson’s advice to “wear my own shoes”.
Rev. Nketsiah said he will not depart from the rules and guidelines of the church and what guides bishops as “shepherds of the flock”, and in a figurative language added “ I will wear my own shoes, I wear size 41”and everybody must wear his own shoes”.
In an address at his installation as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Cape Coast Archdiocese, he said he is informed by the principle that each person was created differently with different talents which calls for different approaches to the myriad of issues affecting the church and mankind.
He stated that he would not attempt to copy anybody including his predecessor because they were different personalities.
He promised to contribute his quota towards the development of the church and that he would also continue to be in the trenches with them in the pastoral battle.
Archbishop Nketsiah also pledged to be at their beck and call and be committed and fair. He also promised to partner government to bring about progress, justice, freedom and the promotion of moral values, education and health for the people.  
In his homely, the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, said it was not just by accident that Archbishop Nketsiah was chosen to lead the faithful but a divine intervention.
Cardinal Turkson likened Archbishop Nketsiah’s appointment to that of David who even though far too young amongst his brethren, was chosen by God to lead his people.
He asked Archbishop Nketsiah to take inspiration from that and offer the same quality of leadership and serve his flock.
He said since it is the duty of the bishop to lead his people to salvation, the desire of the people for the bishop to succeed should encourage them to pray constantly for that purpose, adding that, praying for the bishop means praying for themselves.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, the Most Reverend Leon Kalenga Badikebele, said the archdiocese and the church in Ghana deserve a place in the Vatican.
Rev. Kalenga implored all to unite to support Archbishop Nketsiah and share with him the glory of his elevation.
The Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, used the occasion to call on Ghanaians to ensure the success of the impending National Housing and Population Census, the exhibition of the voter’s register and the district level elections.