Kumasi, May 3, GNA - The Most Reverend Thomas Kwaku Mensah was on Saturday installed Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi at a ceremony at the Saint Peter's Cathedral Basilica in Kumasi. He was the Catholic Bishop of Obuasi and succeeded Archbishop Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong who retired on March 26 after 38 years of Episcopal service to the Catholic Church. President John Agyekum Kufuor and his wife Theresa, ministers of state, heads of some Christian denominations and the Islamic community attended the ceremony.

Addressing the congregation Most Reverend Sarpong appealed to church leaders to vigorously proclaim the gospel to help minimize the high incidence of crimes and other social vices in the society. He decried the spate of armed robbery, lesbianism and homosexuality, indiscipline among the youth as well as bribery and corruption that had dominated the Ghanaian society in recent times. Most Reverend Sarpong said church leaders should uphold the virtues and values of Christianity to help enhance the image of Christendom. "We should not turn the Gospel into an economic commodity or engage in practices that serve as disincentive to the growth of Christianity."

He said the central manifesto of Christianity was unity and peace and as such they should work hard to be at peace with other religious leaders to consolidate the peace the nation is enjoying. Most Rev Sarpong commended the Catholic Church for their support that helped him during his tenure of office and expressed the hope that the church would continually support the new Archbishop to enable him succeed in his work.

Most Rev Mensah promised to collaborate with his predecessor in the performance of his duties for the growth of Catholicism in the metropolis and the country in general.

He praised the Most Rev Sarpong for his ability to improve upon the internal structures of the Catholic Church and said this feat helped to foster unity among members and those in other denominations. Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene, appealed to the new Archbishop in a message delivered on his behalf to be committed to duty just as his predecessor to ensure the total development of the church. There were solidarity messages from the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, National Union of Diocesan Priests as well as representatives of the various denominations in the country.