SS PETER AND PAUL PASTORAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTE CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE IN WA

The SS Peter and Paul Pastoral and Social Institute held a colorful celebration in Wa to mark 50 years of existence. The celebration was held in the premises of the Institute and was led by the Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Bawobr. It was under the theme “Formed to transform communities for development”.
The celebration started with a Eucharistic Celebration which was presided over by the Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Richard K. Baawobr, M.Afr. In his homily, the Bishop thanked God for the gift of the Institute and also commended the Management of the Institute for their dedication to service. He also praised the catechists for their selfless and mostly unappreciated services they render in the remote communities. He then encouraged the students to emulate the hard work of the old catechists. Other concelebrating priests were Most Rev. Paul Bemile, Bishop Emeritus of Wa Diocese, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius Naah Bayirinoba, the former Director of the Institute, Rev. Dr. Edward B. Tengan, the Director of the Institute, Rev. Dr. Aloysius Nuolabong, Rev. Dr Gervase Angsotinge, Rev. Fr. Romulus Aabekpiir, Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Kulbile among others.
The celebration had two parts, with the second part chaired by Dr. Gabriel Gbiel Benarkuu, President of the College of Community and Organizational Development. Several speeches were delivered to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the Institute. Delivering his address, the Director of the Institute enumerated some of the successes that has been chalked by the Institute over the years. He called for more support to help the institute realize its aims and objectives.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Hafiz bin Salih, who was the guest of honor, paid glowing tribute to the Catholic Church for its unparallel and unmatched contribution to the development of the Upper West Region in the areas of education, health, agriculture, and the socio-cultural development of the people of the upper West Region.
There was a sod cutting ceremony to construct a new classroom/Assembly Hall block to augment the existing structures of the institute. Appeals were made for well-meaning people to contribute towards the building of the structure.

The SS Peter and Paul Pastoral and Social Institute was established in 1971 by the late Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery, former Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale who was then the Bishop of the Diocese of Wa. As a Diocesan Institute for the training of pastoral agents, it soon acquired an international status. The aim of the Centre was to give pastoral and social formation to Deacons before their ordination, to Sisters, to Catechists and lay people as well.
Therefore, this year 2021, marks 50 years since the establishment of the institute. It is affiliated to the University of Cape Coast. The Institute currently offers a number of courses including a two- year formation programme for catechists and pastoral agents, a four-year B.A Programme in Religion and Human Values with Education, a one- year certificate course in Theological Studies for religious, Functional French, Information Communication Technology and a two-year programme in theology for lay people among others.
The Institute has as its vision to become the leading spiritual, moral, cultural, and academic education provider and the centre of total quality human development in Ghana and beyond.
The celebration attracted people from all walks of life including the Upper West Regional Minister, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wa, Stakeholders in the Education sector, priests, religious, alumni, students among others.

Emmanuel Wullingdool// Fr. Romulus Aabekpiir, Wa Depsocom