SECAM PRESIDENT LAID TO REST

The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), His Eminence Richard Kuuia Cardinal BAAWOBR, MAfr., was celebrated and buried today, 13^th January 2023, at the St. Andrew Cathedral in Wa, Administrative capital of the Upper West Region, 47 days after his death occurred in Rome on 27^th November 2022.

Thousands of people from all over the world, Catholics, other Christian denominations, Muslims, non-believers and politicians, filled the Wa municipal stadium in the north of Ghana to pay their respects to Cardinal Richard. The number of people who flocked to this funeral ground, witnessed, once again, the greatness of this humble servant of God.

Indeed, this man was a great blessing from God for the Church in Ghana, Africa and the world. Cardinal Richard was a man of God, a selfless servant, a good and faithful Shepherd, a wise and competent leader.

The SECAM delegation, composed of His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal AMBONGO, Archbishop of Kinshasa and first Vice-President of SECAM (DRC), His Eminence Antoine Cardinal KAMBANGA, Archbishop of Kigali (Rwanda), His Excellency Lucio Andrice MUANDULA, Bishop of Xai-Xai (Mozambique) and second Vice-President of SECAM, Rev. Fr Rafael SIMBINE Junior, Secretary General of SECAM, Rev. Fr Jean Germain RAJOELISON, Deputy Secretary General of SECAM, Sister Marie Joseph MUKABAYIRE, Coordinator of SECAM Department of Migrants, Mrs. Mavis Anima BONSU, Accountant of SECAM, was present in force at all the funeral rites of their late President.

SECAM appreciates, salutes and thanks the high-level funeral given to its President, honoured by the presence of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with many officials of the local and central Government, five Cardinals, many Bishops from Ghana and Burkina Faso.

The unreserved commitment of the Diocese of Wa in all the works of preparation and execution of the funeral programme as well as the ability to work in harmony with different stakeholders such as the government and security authorities, is worthy of praised.

Ghana knew how to honour its illustrious son, who served his country, Africa and the world. SECAM will always be proud to have had a President of such calibre.

Once again, Rest in Peace, His Eminence Richard Cardinal BAAWOBR; may God reward you for all the good seed you have sown. We promise to continue your dreams and plans.

Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior

SECAM Secretary General