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Catechist Vida Quartey’s remarkable nine-year service with Cosway-Down Presbyterian Church
● Madam Vida Quartey
After dedicating nine years of her life as the Catechist of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Vida Quartey has gracefully retired from her role.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana commemorated her service with a valedictory event at Cosway-Down, North Legon on September 24.
Born on May 28, 1953, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Mrs Vida Quartey grew up in a Presbyterian family, under the care of her grandfather for several months. She experienced numerous ministerial relocations during her upbringing, which influenced her path.
Despite facing educational disruptions due to relocations, Vida developed proficiency in both English and German languages.
Unexpectedly, Vida’s life took a remarkable turn when she encountered a stranger at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, who provided her with an address in Germany. This encounter ultimately led her to meet her husband, and had traditional marriage in November 1978.
Catechist Vida Quartey held a deep affection for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, but her devotion faced a challenge when she found herself residing in Berlin, a city devoid of this cherished institution.
Undeterred by the absence of her beloved church, she occasionally embarked on pilgrimages to Hamburg, where her cousins resided, in order to partake in worship and connect with the divine.
It was during a solemn funeral gathering in Berlin, marked by the harmonious strains of Presbyterian hymns, that the seed of a groundbreaking idea was planted.
Vida’s heart swelled with determination, and she seized the moment, rising from her seat to propose the establishment of a Presbyterian Church right there in Berlin.
Her fervent commitment to the Lord served as the catalyst for this ambitious endeavour.
As Vida embarked on the path to bring her vision to fruition, she encountered various challenges, particularly in securing the necessary funds. Yet, her unwavering faith and divine assistance guided her through these obstacles.
Against all odds, the inaugural Presbyterian Church in Berlin was officially established on May 6, 2001, a testament to Vida’s indomitable spirit and her unyielding devotion to the Lord’s work.
Having dedicated herself to the establishment of numerous Presbyterian churches throughout Germany, Catechist Vida Quartey eventually decided to return to her homeland.
Upon her homecoming, she embarked on a quest to find a place of worship. Fortunately, her journey led her to Haatso Calvary, but a language barrier, specifically the ‘Ga’ dialect, prevented her from settling there.
In her relentless pursuit of a spiritual community, Vida’s path intersected with Rev. Obeng Ntow, the Minister-in-Charge of Ascension at that time.
He extended an invitation for her to contribute to the Children’s Ministry service and the JY (Junior Youth) programme at Ascension.
It was not until June 4, 2014, following the transfer of Catechist Nyarko, that Vida found her home at Pleasant Hill Preaching Point, coming from the Haatso District.
Her impact on the congregation has been undeniable, as she has diligently worked to earn the hearts of many and has played a pivotal role in soul-winning endeavours.
Throughout her journey as a dedicated Catechist, Vida Quartey achieved remarkable feats and garnered a plethora of well-deserved awards in recognition of her outstanding character and contributions to her community.
Her impact was not only profound but also quantifiable, with a remarkable surge in church membership by approximately 70 per cent.
One of her noteworthy accomplishments was securing the full payment and official registration of church land, marking a significant milestone in the congregation’s history.
This achievement paved the way for the realisation of an ultra-modern chapel.
The design for this remarkable structure was not just a blueprint; it was a symbol of hope and a testament to Vida’s unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of her community.
The construction had already commenced, promising a bright future for the congregation.
Vida’s dedication extended far beyond the physical aspects of church development.
She took it upon herself to nurture and guide approximately 50 individuals along their spiritual journey through a programme akin to a ‘maturity school.’
Her guidance and mentorship were instrumental in helping these souls grow spiritually, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
Addressing the congregation on the profound theme of ‘Depending on God,’ Vida Quartey shared compelling snippets from her personal life journey, highlighting pivotal moments when the benevolent hand of the Lord intervened during her most trying circumstances.
Her impassioned message resonated with the congregation as she conveyed the invaluable lesson that unwavering reliance on the Lord’s guidance yields blessings beyond imagination.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical texts, specifically citing Jeremiah 17:7 and Psalm 103, Catechist Vida Quartey imparted a profound message.
She encouraged each individual in the journey of life to earnestly contemplate whether their actions align with the divine will.
She posed the crucial question: “Does what I am about to do bring pleasure to the Lord?” This introspective inquiry serves as a compass, guiding individuals toward a life that is pleasing in the eyes of the Almighty.
In the tapestry of humanity, each of us possesses our own unique set of preferences and aversions.
Catechist Vida Quartey candidly shared her personal distaste, which centres on individuals who habitually arrive late for church gatherings, juxtaposed with her profound appreciation for fostering unity and harmony among the congregation.
Vida Quartey emphasised that her discontent stems from those who perpetually exhibit tardiness in attending church services, yet paradoxically espouse the values of fraternity and collective joy.
In her view, the fundamental tenet that binds humanity together is our shared lineage, tracing back to the common ancestors, Adam and Eve.
She passionately advocated the eradication of any divisive elements such as racism or tribalism within the church community, underscoring the importance of recognising one another as brothers and sisters in the larger human family.
By George Obeng Osei
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
