Accra, April 25, GNA - Nana Owusu Nsiah, Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Sunday cut the sod for work to begin on a new chapel for the St. George Catholic Church at the National Police Training School (NPTS) in Accra.
The Catholic Church, which has been in existence for years at the Depot, had been holding it services from one of the classrooms there. The new structure, which is estimated to cost 1.5 billion cedis, would have a sitting capacity of 700. It is expected to be completed in five years.
Funding for the project is expected to come from Parishioners of the church, the Police administration and foreign donors. Nana Owusu Nsiah said the building of the chapel was to serve a unique interest for Police personnel who are Catholics.
He called on personnel in the Police service to identify themselves with various religious organisations for their spiritual development. The IGP pledged the support of his administration for the project and promised to ensure that it was completed on time. Nana Owusu Nsiah tasked the parishioners to put in their best towards a timely completion of chapel.
His Grace Most Reverend Dominic Kwadwo Andoh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, said the construction of the chapel would help Catholic Police personnel who are undergoing training at the NPTS in their worship.
He called on the personnel in the Police Service to rely on the Holy Spirit for protection in their duties.
Archbishop Andoh also urged the public to show gratitude to the police for laying down their lives for protection of life and property. The IGP during a fundraising ceremony pledged 100 million cedis from the Police Administration towards the project, while Police Church pledged 10 million cedis and St. Peters Catholic Church also pledging 10 million cedis.
Present at the function were Mr Francis Opoku, National Security Coordinator, Mrs Mills Robertson, Deputy IGP in-charge of Administration and Mr Peter Nanfuri, a former IGP.