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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
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Small-scale miners schooled on health hazards of mining with mercury
Mr Lovelace Sarpong (right) addressing the participants
Some Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in the Ashanti and Central regions have been sensitised on the potential health dangers humans are exposed to with the use of mercury in gold processing.
The sensitisation which was organised by PlanetGOLD Ghana project was to raise awareness about the negative impacts on the use of mercury in mining activities.
According to the PlanetGOLD Ghana Project Coordinator, Mr Lovelace Sarpong, the use of mercury in artisanal small-scale mining pose health challenges that affects the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys; and may be fatal.
Some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that benefited from the exercise were Amansie Central, Asante Akim North, Amansie South, Amansie West, Bekwai, and Adansi North in the Ashanti Region, and Upper Denkyira East (Dunkwa-on-Offin) and Upper Denkyira West (Diaso) in the Central Region.
Additionally, he said inorganic salts of mercury were corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract, and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
He stated that the PlanetGOLD Project has conducted several initiatives to raise awareness on reducing mercury exposure among artisanal and small-scale gold mining actors in the country.
It was to promote mercury-free mining practices in line with Ghana’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, support the formalisation of the ASGM sector while advocating the adoption of the CRAFT Code and responsible supply chains, and raise awareness on the availability of mercury-free alternatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Area Head for Konongo, Mr Dawood Abbas, underscored the importance of government’s environmental regulations and EPA’s role in ensuring compliance within the ASGM sector.
He encouraged miners to prioritise environmental stewardship to gain community trust and secure a Social License to Operate (SLO) and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to enforce its commitments under the Minamata Convention.
BY Cecilia Lagba Yada
Entertainment
Stonebwoy releases sixth studio album ‘Up & Running’
Ghanaian multiple award-winning musician, Stonebwoy is out with his sixth studio album dubbed ‘Up & Running.’
As part of the release Stonebwoy performed various songs on the album to patrons at a special listening party last night.
The listening party held at the Alora Beach in Accra brought together Industry players, musicians, actors, corporate Ghana, diplomats and fans of Stonebwoy among others.
The album is made up of songs like, Memories, Pray For Me, Jejereje, Overload remix, Shine, Psalm 23, Betta Tin, Your Body, Geography, Shine, Lovely Weather, Jiggle and White, Ekelebe and Fvck Up Summer.
‘Up & Running’ features the top musicians such as Duncan Mighty, Ir Sais, Spice, Amaria BB, Jahmiel, 10TIK, Larruso, Chi Ching Ching, Kaylan Arnold, and Blvk H3ro, Wyclef Jean and ODUMODUBLVCK.
The album, which includes diverse songs for different target markets, shows Stonebwoy’s calculated effort to reach out to wider and new audiences around the world.
Stonebwoy is expected to hit the road in a global tour with his new album, ‘Up & Running.’
The colourful event was attended by industry personalities like Fred Nuamah, Andy Dosty, Keche, Bullgod, Nadia Buari, Nana McBrown,Kwaw Kese,Robert Klah,D-Black, Larusso and many others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Enjoy the album below
UP & RUNNIN6 – ALBUM OUT NOW!